Jewelry Trends

Is a round cut diamond best for my engagement ring?

Rachel Akmakjian

Author

Rachel Akmakjian


The round brilliant cut diamond is the quintessential diamond cut for engagement rings. For decades this cut has been the undisputed go-to diamond. Many people might not even consider another diamond shape. But does that mean it’s really the best? You need to learn the basics of this cut to decide if it’s right for you. 

What You Will Learn

What are round cut diamonds?

You’ll recognize a round brilliant cut for by round shape and brilliant sparkle. 

The brilliant cut technique was developed by a mathematician back in 1919. He wanted to find the precise measurements for achieving the most sparkle and shine. It involves cutting 58 tiny facets throughout the stone and polishing them to reflect the light. These precise sides and angles make up the flat table on top and the pavilion underneath the diamond that comes to a point. The cone-like shape allows light to filter in from all angles, magnifying the glittery shine.

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People fell in love with the sparkle of this cut so you’ll find lots of diamond jewelry featuring brilliant cut diamonds. 

And this mega-sparkle is what many people look for in their engagement ring!

 

Who should buy a round cut engagement ring?

Do you want to have the sparkliest diamond on the block? Then a round cut is for you. 

The brilliant cut diamond can’t be topped when it comes to the glittering sparkle they produce. 

It’s also a classic that will never go out of style, so if you want a timeless look, then a round cut can give you that. The round shape is also flattering on hands of any shape or size. 

You really can’t go wrong with round brilliant cut diamonds. Natalie Portman, Tia Mowry, Jamie Chung, Emily Blunt, and Mila Kunis are just a few of the high-profile women who wear round cut engagement rings

The round cut looks great as a solitaire but also provides a great base for adding diamond halos or diamonds to the sides. 

Why are round diamonds the most popular diamond shape?

About 75% of all engagement rings sold in stores feature round brilliant cuts

So how did that happen? Ever since this cut was introduced in the early 1900s, it became the standard in diamond cuts, thanks to the brilliance that results from its precise measurements. Round diamonds are the only diamond shape with a true cut grade because the round shape allows their proportions to line up perfectly. So the overall quality of your diamond is easier to standardize when it’s round. This perfection of brilliance is probably the main reason for its mass appeal.

Why is the circle cut diamond so popular? The circle is a timeless design that looks good with anything and will never look too trendy or too outdated. 

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Read also: Jewelery Trends You Should Know

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Are round diamonds the most expensive?

Round brilliant cut diamonds tend to range on the more expensive side. But why?

First, making them creates a lot of diamond waste. A whole 60% of the stone gets turned to waste when a diamond cutter makes one. Since it takes so much rough diamond to make one round cut, the price goes up. 

The other reason for the price hike? Their popularity means they’re in demand. With so much interest in the market and only so many diamonds, prices increase thanks to the law of supply and demand. 

But don’t think you can’t get a good value on a round cut engagement ring. Just be informed and work with a jeweler who can help you get the best diamond for your budget.

Suggested Read:

Most Expensive Diamond Cut | BriteCo Jewelry Insurance
The Most Expensive Diamonds in the World

Is a round cut diamond best for my engagement ring

How to find the best round cut stones in your budget

You’ve probably heard of the 4Cs of diamonds, and with round cut stones, you really need to consider them. 

Read: The Ultimate Guide to the 4Cs

Cut – This is the big one. The brightness and sparkle of your round brilliant cut all come down to how perfectly each of its proportions was cut and polished. A poorly cut round diamond will affect all the other Cs. 

ColorRound diamond color is important too. You want this sparkly diamond to be white and bright, not yellowish. We recommend aiming for a J color grade or above. The round cut is the recommended cut if you need to sacrifice color to fit into a certain budget, because the sparkle will help mask the color

Clarity – You could argue this is the least important of the Cs for brilliant cuts. That’s because if you select a diamond with a high cut quality, all those sparkly, light-reflecting facets do a good job hiding the inclusions that affect diamond clarity

Carat weight – How big do you want your diamond to be? Ultimately it’s about what combination of the other Cs gives you the size you want within your budget. Working with a jeweler in person can help you get the biggest round cut for your money that doesn’t sacrifice the other Cs.

Beyond the 4Cs: How other diamond variables work

Do I need insurance for a round cut engagement ring?

You should get insurance for any piece of jewelry you wouldn’t want to part with! But don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. 

BriteCo offers affordable specialty jewelry insurance that covers up to 125% of your ring’s appraised value. Our policy covers loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance.

Check your price for free and get started in minutes!

Also Check:

Is a Square Cut Diamond Right for My Engagement Ring?
What are Nature Inspired Engagement Rings?

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Rachel's expertise is further enhanced by her distinction as a Graduate Gemologist from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, equipping her with exceptional knowledge in gem identification and grading. Her education and experiences have given her an in-depth understanding of the demands and expectations facing jewelers and customers in today’s evolving retail marketplace.