A fancy shape diamond is any diamond that is not a round brilliant cut. They can be referred to simply just as ” fancies ” or the more uncommon term as ” fantasy ” cuts.
The shape of a diamond can determine it’s price.
As examples:
*Smaller princess cuts in 0.07ct can cost more than round diamonds of the same weight, colour and clarity because small rounds tend to turnover quicker and the depending on the cutter the labour cost is lower. This however does not apply to excellent cut rounds which are being cut now in China by Israeli cutters to compete against the Indian market which has dominated the ” smalls ” market now for the last fifteen years.
*However a once carat colourless round brilliant may cost 15% to 30% more than a one carat square diamond of the same weight, colour and clarity.
*A one carat coloured round brilliant diamond can cost from 10% to 500% more than a fancy shape of the same weight , colour and clarity and also depending on the mood of the dealer.
The additional labour cost of small fancies is due to specialised skills required to cut them.
Small rounds sell quicker so the profit margin to keep them in stock tends to be less plus it takes less time to cut, measure and select small rounds compared to small fancy shapes.
Prices on rounds usually increase in price from 0.20ct depending on supply and demand and once again on the mood of the dealer. It’s easier to compare diamonds of the same shape when pricing diamonds.
This is why Diamond Imports does not offer price match comparisons but rather Visual Diamond Comparisons. Those rogue diamond traders who offer price match comparisons are the ones who rarely carry their own stock and one must always be cautious of being offered a CONFLICT OF INTEREST diamond.
Stocking large round brilliant diamonds can be just as high as large fancy shapes because there are fewer buyers for the larger diamonds but there is a greater demand for the rounds so they tend to cost more than most fancy shapes of the same weight and quality.
Fancy shapes can show a stronger face up colour than round cuts from the same rough.The stronger the colour of the rough diamond the higher the cost of the rough and this is finally translated into the cost of the cut and polished diamond.
Diamond prices can be also affected by how attractive the diamond is.
When judging the shape of a diamond the length to width ratio can be admired or disliked according to personal preferences however if buying a diamond for ” investment ” we recommend you buy a diamond that conforms to industry standards.
These shapes are sold at premium prices and are difficult to find.
Too much of the original rough could be lost if all diamonds were cut to a standard and besides all buyers have different tastes. It would become boring and comparing would be pointless.
If a piece of rough is elongated the diamond will be cut in such a way to maximise the beauty of the diamond but maximising the weight from the natural rough.
Non traditional shapes can be purchased for a lower price per carat.
Deciding what shape is best for you can be determined as follows:
1) Your personal preference.
2) Brilliance & Sparkle
3) Weight
4) Size appearance. Please click on weight to millimetre size ratio link below
If a women says ” Size does not count ” don’t trust her. Trust us…It does ! Everybody wants their diamond to look bigger than it’s actual weight. This is the biggest advantage of fancy shapes over round brilliants.
Always consider the weight to millimetre size ratio.
Fancy shapes tend to look bigger than round diamonds of equal weight.
5) Shape of of your hand.
Always try a few shapes to see which looks best on your hand.
Round diamonds mask internal flaws and colour best. The step cut Emerald cuts and baguettes can not hide inclusions. This means a lower quality will be a lower price.
7) Availability
Pleasure and/or investment
9) More unique and individual designs. Fancy shapes lend to more distinctive styles.
We hope this will help you realise the importance making VISUAL DIAMOND COMPARISONS not like those desperate feeble price match comparisons offered by inexperienced diamond vendors who have no feeling for the business they are in.
If you wish to buy a diamond based on price alone rather than visually examing the differences between similar diamonds we suggest you do not buy anything because the chances are that the cheaper diamond will not be as beautiful.
This will help you judge values more accurately without making your diamond a sterile commodity that drop shippers and some online diamond vendors with no creativity or understanding of diamonds tend to do.
Hoooroooo from De Guru
Daniel F Katz GG
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Diamonds - Fancy Shape Diamonds
