What is a Round Cut Diamond?

The round brilliant cut diamond is the crown jewel of gemstone artistry, meticulously fashioned with 57 or 58 facets that capture and reflect light in a mesmerizing dance. Strategically placing each facet creates a symphony of brilliance and fire, which makes the diamond sparkle like a constellation in the night sky.  

This cut is not just about its sparkle but about its craftsmanship. It involves a harmonious blend of geometry and artistry, designed to amplify the diamond's natural beauty and create an enchanting play of light. Whether set in a classic solitaire or a contemporary design, the round brilliant cut is a testament to enduring sophistication and unmatched radiance.

History of Round Brilliant Cut

The history of the round brilliant cut diamond is a tale of innovation and artistry that shines as brightly as the diamonds themselves. The story begins in the late Middle Ages with the earliest diamond cuts, which were rudimentary and focused on removing the diamond’s natural shape. These early cuts lacked the sophisticated techniques we see today, but they set the stage for future advancements.

The turning point came in 1919 when Belgian gemologist Marcel Tolkowsky unveiled his revolutionary round brilliant cut. His meticulous research and calculations in "Diamond Design" transformed the diamond-cutting world, introducing a symphony of 57 facets that were precisely engineered to capture and reflect light with unparalleled brilliance. Tolkowsky’s design was like unlocking a secret code of sparkle, revealing a diamond’s inner fire in a dazzling display.

With the advent of modern technology, the round brilliant cut has only grown more precise. Laser cutting and computer-aided design have enabled jewelers to achieve unparalleled accuracy, ensuring that each diamond sparkles with maximum intensity. Today, the round brilliant cut stands as a symbol of timeless elegance and innovative craftsmanship, its brilliance a tribute to over a century of refinement and artistry.

Old European Cut Round Diamonds

The Old European cut diamond is a gemstone that captures the romance and artifice of a bygone era. Crafted from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, these diamonds are the epitome of vintage charm, offering a captivating allure that modern cuts often lack. These diamonds are round but often have a less precise symmetry compared to modern cuts. They typically have 58 facets. The facets are arranged in a pattern that includes a small culet (the flat area at the bottom of the diamond), which contrasts with the larger culets found in some other cuts.

The light performance of Old European cut diamonds tends to be softer and more romantic compared to the intense brilliance of modern round brilliant cuts. They exhibit a warm fire and scintillation, creating a unique and somewhat vintage glow that many find enchanting. The cut was done by hand, with each diamond being individually shaped. This craftsmanship results in unique characteristics for each stone.

Their historical charm and artisanal quality make them highly sought after by collectors and those who appreciate vintage jewelry. They are prized in antique jewelry and are often used to add a touch of vintage elegance to contemporary designs. Old European cut round diamonds are celebrated for their classic beauty and historical significance, making them a unique choice for anyone seeking a piece of the past with timeless appeal.

Round Diamond Guide

Cut

The cut is what describes the shape and alignment of a diamond's facets to improve its brilliance and sparkle. The cut of a round diamond is akin to a symphony of light, where each facet is meticulously orchestrated to maximize sparkle and brilliance. The quality of round-cut diamonds can impact light reflection, leading to the signature 'fire' and scintillation.

Ensure the diamond is well-sized and has a table size of 53-60% of the diameter and a depth of 59-62.5%. The craftsmanship behind this cut ensures a breathtaking sparkle that transcends time and trends. Symmetry and polish are crucial for achieving optimal brilliance.

Length to Width

Round diamonds are uniform in their length-to-width ratio, as they are perfectly circular. This uniformity ensures consistent brilliance and shape, distinguishing them from fancy shapes that vary in these proportions. The round diamond’s ratio doesn’t apply in the same way as it does for fancy shapes like oval or pear, where a specific length-to-width ratio impacts the appearance. This perfect roundness guarantees consistent brilliance and an iconic sparkle that defines its classic charm. It’s a shape that says of timeless elegance and unwavering balance.

Color

Color in round diamonds is a spectrum where the absence of color is the ultimate goal. Graded from D (pure, colorless) to Z (tinged with yellow or brown), the most coveted diamonds are those that exhibit the purest clarity. Less color in a diamond generally means better quality, though in round diamonds, slight color can be less noticeable due to their sparkle. The beauty of a round diamond lies in its ability to reflect light without any color distortion, resulting in a dazzling display of crystal-clear brilliance.

Clarity

Clarity is a measure of the inner purity of a round diamond, which is enhanced by the absence of blemishes and inclusions, which enhances its transparency and light performance. The imperfections of higher-clarity diamonds are less visible under 10x magnification. For round diamonds, clarity is crucial for maintaining their brilliance and transparency. Choose diamonds with at least VS2 clarity for minimal visible flaws. The finest round diamonds showcase a near-perfect clarity, where imperfections are virtually invisible, ensuring an uninterrupted display of brilliance.

A round diamond is a masterpiece of light and symmetry, where each characteristic—cut, color, and clarity—plays a crucial role in creating a gem of timeless beauty and unparalleled sparkle. Each of these aspects—cut, color, and clarity—plays a pivotal role in defining the beauty and value of a round diamond. Understanding these elements helps you appreciate the diamond’s overall quality and make an informed choice.

What should be considered while buying a round brilliant cut diamond?

Choosing a round brilliant cut diamond is akin to discovering a piece of stardust, perfectly cut to capture and reflect every ray of light. This gem's cut is a work of art that combines geometry and artistry to create a scintillating display of brilliance and fire.

The carat weight defines its presence—each increment of weight adds to its grandeur, yet even smaller stones can dazzle with the right craftsmanship. Color is the diamond's delicate hue; the most coveted stones are those that glisten with an ethereal, colorless clarity, showcasing a pure, prismatic sparkle.

Clarity is the key to unlocking the inner world of the diamond, where the absence of visible inclusions guarantees a pristine, uninterrupted radiance. The round brilliant-cut diamond is not merely a jewel; it’s a luminous symbol of sophistication, embodying a timeless charm that transcends trends and captures the essence of true beauty.

Round Cut Diamond Pricing

Round-cut diamond pricing is a dazzling interplay of brilliance and rarity. A well-cut round diamond, with its impeccable sparkle, commands a premium—its price reflecting the artistry behind its creation. Carat weight adds to the allure, where each additional carat not only magnifies the diamond’s presence but also amplifies its price exponentially.

The allure of larger stones lies in their rarity, making them highly coveted. Color grade influences the cost significantly; diamonds with the purest hues, from colorless D to faintly tinted F, are treasured for their unblemished brilliance and thus are priced higher.

Diamonds with fewer inclusions and a pristine surface are rarer and more valuable, with each grade of clarity impacting the price. A higher value is often achieved by ensuring the quality and authenticity of the diamond with certification. Market trends also play a role, with economic shifts and demand fluctuations affecting prices.

Why is the round brilliant cut the most expensive diamond cut?

Creating a round-cut diamond requires exceptional skill and precision. The cut is designed to maximize brilliance and sparkle, involving a complex arrangement of 58 facets that must be expertly aligned. This meticulous craftsmanship increases production costs. It has been designed to reflect light and increase brightness. Its proportions and facet arrangement are specifically engineered to achieve the highest level of sparkle and fire, making it highly desirable and thus more costly.

The round brilliant cut is the most famous and sought-after diamond shape, particularly for wedding engagement rings. High demand for this classic and versatile cut drives up its price. The process of cutting a rough diamond into a round brilliant shape often results in significant loss of material. The intricate cut requires careful planning and can result in a lower yield of usable diamond from the rough stone, adding to the cost. The round brilliant cut is considered a symbol of timeless elegance and luxury. Its enduring popularity and high market value contribute to its premium pricing.

Why is This Shape So Popular?

The round shape diamond is immensely popular for several reasons, all of which contribute to its enduring appeal and widespread use. This brilliant cut is designed to maximize the diamond's ability to capture and reflect light. The round diamond shape available is the most brilliant because it has 58 meticulously cut facets that create an exceptional sparkle and fire. Its symmetrical, circular form is universally admired for its simplicity and elegance.

This timeless quality makes it a favored choice for Round Engagement Rings and fine jewelry, as it transcends fashion trends. The round shape's classic geometry can be seamlessly integrated into a range of settings and styles. Whether set in a solitaire, halo, or three-stone arrangement, its versatility ensures it complements any design. This cut is the diamond shape that has the most increased popularity in the market. High demand ensures a wide selection of round diamonds and often contributes to a higher resale value compared to other cuts.

This brilliant cut has a long-standing reputation for delivering optimal brilliance and visual appeal. Its enduring success is a testament to its expertly crafted design. This shape’s circular form symbolizes eternity and wholeness, making it a meaningful choice for engagements and weddings. Its shape conveys an everlasting commitment, adding emotional value. These factors combine to make it a beloved choice for those seeking a classic and stunning gemstone.

Conclusion

The round diamond is a beacon of timeless allure and exceptional brilliance. Crafted with 58 meticulously engineered facets, this cut is designed to capture and refract light in a symphony of sparkle and fire, creating an unrivaled display of radiance. Its round shape, perfected over decades, not only maximizes the diamond’s luminosity but also ensures a classic, versatile appeal that complements any style.

This diamond cut's popularity is a testament to its ability to enhance any piece of jewelry with its dazzling charm. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, a dazzling pendant, or simply a piece that reflects your unique style, round cut moissanite diamonds offer a lasting symbol of beauty and brilliance. Glazed Diamonds is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to explore our classic collection of round diamonds!