Fancy-cut diamonds refer to diamonds cut into shapes other than the traditional round brilliant cut; common types include heart, oval, emerald, princess, and pear shapes. These cuts are designed to maximize the yield from the rough stone, often chosen because the rough's shape is unsuitable for a round cut or to preserve carat weight. The cutting and polishing process is complex, requiring top-tier craftsmanship; the rough stone loss rate is approximately 35%–40%-lower than the 47% seen with round diamonds-and prices are typically 20%–50% lower than round diamonds of comparable specifications.
While the domestic market for fancy-cut diamonds was initially limited, the industry was boosted when Shijiyuan hosted the first Fancy-Cut Diamond Exhibition in Jinan in 2006. With advancements in lab-grown diamond technology, brands specializing in the design and development of fancy-cut lab-grown diamonds have emerged. In 2025, the geological and mineral industry standard titled "Evaluation of the Length-to-Width Ratio of Fancy-Cut Diamonds" entered the public comment phase. Fancy-cut diamonds have gained popularity due to their diverse shapes and personalized appeal, with styles like princess and pear cuts becoming common elements in fashionable jewelry designs. Large-carat fancy-cut diamonds command a premium of over 30% due to their uniqueness, though their resale value retention is generally lower than that of round diamonds.
