Which Engagement Ring Cut is the Most Expensive?

The Most Costly Engagement Ring Cut Exists Within a Diamond's Anatomy.

The selection of an engagement ring primarily attracts partners who seek out sparkle together with style and symbolic value. Which factor lies beneath the beauty? Among all diamond characteristics the cut ranks as the essential factor which determines both the diamond's appearance and its price value.

The comprehension of how diamond cuts influence pricing during your search for an engagement ring in Chicago or when you decide to create a custom engagement ring enables you to find a piece that meets your budget requirements while delivering both brilliance and personal style.

This article examines the structural elements of ring cuts through individual analysis of their distinct shapes and their light effects and their corresponding price implications.

The Round Cut: Timeless Brilliance, Top Price Tag

The round brilliant stands as the "heart" of ring anatomy because no cut expresses its essence more beautifully.

Why It Costs More:

• High Material Loss: A round cut diamond discards more than fifty percent of its original weight from the rough stone during cutting.
• Maximum Brilliance: Due to its 58 facets the round cut allows better light reflection than any other diamond cut exists.
• High Demand: The round cut diamond remains the top choice for engagement rings particularly in Chicago's Gold Coast residential area.

Price Range: The highest price point among diamond cuts exists for round cuts because their price ranges from $5,000 to more than $100,000 based on the 4Cs: Carat, Cut, Color, and Clarity.

If you decide to choose the round cut diamond yet want to save money choose lab-grown diamonds. Wedding Band & Co. provides GIA-certified lab diamonds which deliver comparable fire while costing less than traditional diamonds.

The Emerald Cut: Clarity Over Flash

The emerald cut shows ring anatomy through clarity and symmetry rather than typical sparkle.

The Quiet Elegance:

• A step-cut design with long rectangular facets makes this gemstone show transparency instead of sparkle.
• The visibility of inclusions (flaws) in this cut requires selecting a stone with higher clarity grade.

Price Range: Diamond emerald cuts tend to cost 25–35% lower than round cuts with prices beginning at $2,500.

Emerald-cut rings maintain popularity in vintage-inspired jewelry because they create a sophisticated and understated look on Michigan Avenue among Chicagoans.

The Princess Cut: Modern Geometry with a Budget Edge

The ring anatomy reveals the princess cut as a square-shaped gemstone with clean and contemporary edges.

Price vs. Beauty:

• The princess cut delivers remarkable brilliance through its ability to retain a higher proportion of raw diamond material which results in reduced costs.
• Modern Chicagoans who live in young professional neighborhoods including Lincoln Park and Wicker Park love the sharp angular facets of this cut for their edgy sparkle.

Price Range: The cost of a princess cut diamond falls 20–30% below round cut prices. The starting price for a 1-carat princess cut diamond ranges between $3,000 to $5,000.

The pointed corners of princess-cut diamonds need special protective settings or extra caution to prevent chipping.

The Asscher Cut: A Vintage Soul

An Asscher cut stands as a vintage version of the emerald cut because it connects past beauty with modern precision.

Distinctive Anatomy:

• A square cut with large step-cut facets and deep pavilion produces a "hall of mirrors" effect.
• This cut displays better symmetry than the emerald cut while complementing Art Deco jewelry settings perfectly.

Price Range: This cut costs less than the round cut but more than the emerald cut at $3,000–$6,000 for a 1-carat stone.

Many Chicago clients who work with Wedding Band & Co. have brought their family heirloom settings together with contemporary Asscher-cut diamonds to create harmonious historical and modern pieces.

The Radiant Cut: Bold and Brilliant

The radiant cut unites round cut brilliance with emerald or princess cut shapes through its combination of step and brilliant-cut facets.

The Fusion of Styles:

• This hybrid design offers a firework sparkle and a unique geometry that stands out.
• It’s ideal for those who want the look of a square or rectangular stone with maximum shine.

Price Range: Less expensive than round cuts, radiant cuts are also less expensive than princess cuts and still offer a great visual impact, usually $3,500–$7,000.

Radiant cuts are trending among fashion-forward couples looking for something unexpected in Chicago’s West Loop.

The Oval Cut: Elongated Elegance on a Budget

The oval cut is the unsung hero in the anatomy of a ring—elongated, flattering on the hand, and surprisingly affordable.

Why It’s a Smart Choice:

• Offers nearly the same brilliance as a round cut but with 20–30% less cost.
• Its elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger diamond and is perfect for those with slender fingers.

Price Range: A 1-carat oval diamond starts around $2,500–$4,000.

This cut is a rising favorite among Chicago brides in Lakeview and Andersonville, offering elegance, modernity, and exceptional value.

The Role of Diamond Origin: Natural vs. Lab-Grown

At Wedding Band & Co. in Chicago, we carry both natural and lab-grown diamonds, all GIA certified.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: Chemically identical to natural diamonds, but 30–50% cheaper. Perfect for couples wanting size and sparkle without the hefty price.
• Natural Diamonds: Known for their rarity and value, perfect for clients seeking traditional romance.

Whether you're designing a custom engagement ring in Chicago or choosing from our curated in-house designs, we help you compare origins transparently—without commissioned sales pressure.

Understanding Price Beyond the Cut

While cut shape is a major price factor, remember that carat weight, color, and clarity matter too.

At Wedding Band & Co., we’ll help you balance all elements of the ring’s anatomy—from band metal to diamond quality—so that you get maximum beauty for your budget.

And since we craft our rings in-house, you’ll receive:

• A one-year warranty
• Annual maintenance
• Local craftsmanship with global standards

Visit Wedding Band & Co. in Chicago

Discover the perfect engagement ring tailored to your style, values, and budget. Whether you’re after the most expensive round cut or the value-packed oval, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Wedding Band & Co.

43 E Oak St FL 2, Chicago, IL 60611

+1 (312) 920-0726

Schedule your private consultation today.

Let’s bring your ring vision to life—designed by you, crafted by us.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Cut?

In the anatomy of a ring, the cut is more than a shape—it’s a reflection of your identity, your budget, and your love story.

Whether you’re seeking a high-end engagement ring in Chicago, a custom oval diamond ring, or a balance between cost and creativity, the right cut is out there—and it’s waiting for you.

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief