A round-cut diamond is the epitome of elegance when it comes to eternal beauty. Because of its shine and adaptability, the round cut is the best option for anyone looking for a timeless yet alluring look. This diamond cut has changed over time, winning over both trendsetters and romantics.
The round cut diamond is the ideal combination of classic design and contemporary appeal, whether you pick out an engagement ring or just want a piece that exudes brilliance.
What is a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond?
Let’s first understand what a round cut diamond is called. Because of its particular faceting technique, a round cut diamond is frequently referred to as a “round brilliant.” Although “round” refers to the shape in general, “round brilliant” refers especially to the contemporary faceting standard that improves light output. Other names that might be used are “brilliant cut” or just “round diamond,” however, these usually refer to the same faceting pattern as the round brilliant cut.
Brief History and Origin of the Round Cut
Since the 17th century, round diamonds have developed as a result of decades of creativity and skill. Initially, early round diamonds were shaped with basic cutting techniques, but the late 1800s saw a breakthrough with the invention of the bruting machine, allowing cutters to achieve a smoother, circular shape.
But the contemporary round brilliant cut was achieved in 1919 by diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky, who created a mathematical formula that increased brightness and maximized light reflection. With the continued advancement of technology, round cut diamonds are now the industry standard for brilliance.
Why are Round Brilliant Diamonds the Most Popular Cut?
With facets thoughtfully positioned to maximize light reflection, the round-cut diamond is renowned for its exceptional brilliance. Because of its round form, which maximizes brightness, it is the most often used diamond cut worldwide.
Their adaptable design complements both traditional and modern styles. A circular cut may be easily incorporated into more complex patterns, solitaires, and halos.
The Anatomy of Round Cut Diamond
Round cut diamonds are made with each of their essential components in mind to maximize light performance:
- Table: The diamond’s flat top surface lets light in, forming a window for the inner brilliance of the stone.
- Crown: The diamond’s fire and brilliance are attributed to the crown, the highest part above the girdle that reflects and refracts light.
- Pavilion: The bottom part beneath the girdle, where light is refracted back up and reflected to increase brightness.
- Girdle: The thin ring that encircles the diamond’s largest point, defining its perimeter and enhancing its durability.
- Culet: The culet is the tiny facet at the very bottom of the diamond. It is usually left sharp, although, for strength, it can occasionally be polished.
Every element adds to a round cut diamond’s overall brightness and beauty. Round cuts are the most dazzling of all diamond shapes because they optimize light return and sparkle when symmetry and proportions are maintained.
Different Types: Modern, Single & Old European Cut
Round diamonds may seem straightforward at first glance, but within this classic shape lies a world of variety. From the high-sparkle modern round brilliant to vintage cuts that exude old-world charm, each style brings its own unique appeal to the timeless round shape.
Modern Round Cuts
How many facets does a round brilliant cut diamond have? Today’s standard for round diamonds is the round brilliant cut, which has 57 or 58 facets. The precise arrangement of these facets, known as the “brilliant cut,” allows the diamond to capture and refract light from every angle, maximizing fire and scintillation. This faceting not only enhances sparkle but also helps disguise minor inclusions, ensuring a cleaner, more radiant look. It’s this brilliance that makes the round cut diamond highly sought after and iconic.
Antique Round Cuts
- Old European Cut: This vintage cut is also round in shape but includes larger facets, giving it a softer, more romantic glow compared to the modern round brilliant cut.
- Single Cut: Often used in smaller stones, the single cut has just 17-18 facets. While it lacks the fire of a round brilliant, it offers a delicate sparkle that’s perfect for accent stones.
It’s important to note that while “round” refers broadly to the shape, “round brilliant” specifically describes the faceting style used to achieve maximum brilliance in most modern round diamonds.
Comparison of Round Cut Diamonds with Other Diamond Cuts
Selecting a diamond shape involves more than simply design; it also involves finding a cut that complements your tastes, vision, and personality. Each diamond form has its own charm, but the round cut stands out for its timeless brightness. To assist you in finding the ideal fit, let’s examine how the round cut stacks up against other well-liked diamond forms.
- Round Cut vs. Princess Cut
Distinguished by its crisp, square form, the princess cut adds a distinctive, contemporary look with lots of glitz. Faceting gives it great light performance, but it usually doesn’t have the same brightness as the round cut. Furthermore, the princess cut is more likely to chip because of its pointy edges, which may call for a protective setting. Conversely, round cuts are more robust and adaptable, and they look good in a greater range of settings, including solitaire and halo designs.
- Round Cut vs. Cushion Cut
The cushion shape, with its pillow-like look and rounded edges, is adored for its gentle radiance and nostalgic charm. The cushion cut has fewer facets than the round cut, which results in a more muted glitter even though it still sparkles gorgeously. For people who value a more delicate, romantic style, this cut is perfect. For those who want the most sparkle in every light, the round cut, on the other hand, provides a high level of brightness that intensifies fire and scintillation.
- Round Cut vs. Emerald Cut
The step-cut facets of the emerald cut, which provide a hall-of-mirrors impression that prioritizes clarity over sparkle, are what distinguish it from the round cut. Emerald cuts are renowned for their sophisticated, subtle appearance, while round cuts concentrate on producing extreme brilliance through a faceted shape. Those who enjoy the purity and colour of a diamond and the art deco style will find this cut ideal. The emerald cut offers a refined, vintage-inspired look, while the round cut maintains its unrivaled overall brilliance.
- Round Cut vs. Oval Cut
Round and oval cuts are comparable in their brilliance, but oval cuts give the appearance of a bigger stone because of their extended form. The length of this form visibly lengthens and slims fingers, making it very attractive on the hand. The round cut is still the industry standard for symmetry and light performance, even if the oval cut offers outstanding shine. The oval shape is a great substitute for the round for individuals looking for a distinctive yet timeless look.
- Round Cut vs. Radiant Cut
Radiant cuts combine the sparkle of a round cut with the shape of a square or rectangle, and its corners are cropped for increased durability. Because of its faceted structure, the radiant cut is one of the most beautiful rectangle forms available, making it a great choice for those who like dazzle but want a shape other than round. Despite radiant cuts’ exceptional brilliance, the round cut remains the preferred choice for anybody seeking a classic, visually appealing shape with the highest brightness.
The Price of Round Cut Diamonds
Are round cut diamonds more expensive than other diamonds? Because of their popularity and the quantity of rough diamond lost during cutting, round cut diamonds are often more costly than other diamond shapes. Up to 40–60% of the original rough diamond is sometimes discarded by diamond cutters to obtain the perfect brightness and proportions of the round brilliant cut.
Round cut diamonds are more expensive because of this high waste and the complex faceting needed to optimize brilliance. They are also more expensive than less popular forms like cushion or emerald cuts because of their timeless charm and adaptability. As a result, among diamond shapes with similar carat weight, colour, and clarity, round diamonds are usually the most expensive.
The 4Cs and Advice for Selecting a High-Quality Round Cut Diamond
Let’s check the 4Cs of round diamonds.
- Cut Quality
A round diamond’s cut quality is crucial to its maximum brightness. The maximum sparkle is produced by round diamonds with an exceptional or superb cut grade. To guarantee optimal light performance, look for depth percentages between 59 and 63% and table percentages between 52 and 57%.
- Colour
Because of its faceting, which helps cover up faint colour tints, round diamonds exhibit colour more naturally. The G-H colour range, which to the untrained eye seems almost colourless, is where many people pick diamonds for the greatest value.
- Clarity Elements
Because the facets of the round cut may conceal minor imperfections, grades like VS1 or VS2 are perfect for striking a balance between price and quality. Higher clarity grades, such as VVS1 or VVS2, would be better for round diamonds weighing more than one carat to preserve the stone’s perfect beauty.
- Carat Size
Round cut diamonds are available in a range of sizes, making them versatile for various jewellery pieces and preferences. Size in round cuts is typically measured by carat weight, which influences both the visual impact and the price. Here’s a general guide to carat size and dimensions:
- 0.25 Carat: Approximately 4.0 mm
- 0.50 Carat: Approximately 5.0 mm
- 1.00 Carat: Approximately 6.4 mm
- 1.50 Carat: Approximately 7.4 mm
- 2.00 Carat: Approximately 8.0 mm
Larger round diamonds (above 1 carat) are ideal for statement rings and centerpieces, while smaller sizes are popular for earrings, pendants, or accent stones in multi-stone settings. For a true round appearance, a length-to-width ratio close to 1.00 is ideal; ratios over 1.05 may result in a slight oval appearance. Here is a round cut carat size chart.
Pros and Cons of Round Cut Diamonds
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Exceptional brilliance and fire | Higher price due to popularity and rough wastage |
| Versatile for a range of settings | Demand may make it feel less unique |
| Hides inclusions and colour well | Requires precise cutting for ideal appearance |
| Classic appeal that stands the test of time | More rough diamond is cut away during shaping |
Round Cut Diamond Engagement Rings & Eternity Bands
Samuel Kleinberg offers a curated collection of round cut engagement rings and eternity bands, each piece showcasing the elegance and brilliance of this timeless shape.
Assessing Style and Trends
The most popular diamonds are still round cut diamonds, particularly for engagement rings. From simple to extravagant, this timeless cut complements many styles. A round cut diamond is ideal for people who value a balance between contemporary and history since it frequently conveys an appreciation of classic elegance and sophistication. A round cut diamond expresses a wearer’s appreciation for quality, elegance, and longevity.
Next time you look for an engagement ring, consider the brilliance of round cut diamonds.
