If you’ve been searching for a diamond engagement ring you’ve probably come across the round brilliant cut diamond shape. And why wouldn’t you? It’s the most popular diamond shape, after all. Time and time again, those looking to seal their love with a diamond opt for its feminine curve and undeniable shine. But did you know that there’s a few versions of the round cut to choose from? How do you know which is right for you and what are the different versions? Let’s break it down. 

 

WHAT IS A ROUND CUT DIAMOND? 

A round cut diamond is a type of diamond shape that, as you may have guessed, is round. But listen up. Not all round diamonds are the same. Confused? Consider this. Usually when we talk about round diamonds, we are referring to round brilliant cut diamonds. This is a type of a faceting pattern that is cut in a way to maximize the light return of the stone, thus making it the sparkliest of all diamond cuts. However, a round rose cut diamond is also a round diamond, it just has a different faceting pattern (rose, which we’ll break down below). So remember, round diamonds can maintain any type of faceting pattern, as long they’re round, they’ll be considered a round cut. As it goes, in the diamond world,  specificity is key! While round brilliant diamonds are the most popular, you can expect to see any of the other variations of round cuts too: 

ROUND BRILLIANT DIAMONDS 

As mentioned above, this is the type of round diamond that springs to mind most commonly when thinking of a “round diamond”. The round brilliant cut consists of 57 to 58 facets and their arrangement is the key to maximum, luscious sparkle. 

 

ROUND ROSE CUT DIAMONDS 

Sometimes referred to as simply, “rose cut” round rose cut diamonds sensually shimmer. While originally invented in the 1400s (yes, they’re like the great great grandparent of the round brilliant) they really came into their own in the Georgian era. The best way to identify a round rose cut is to check out its table. If the facets appear as small triangles, it glimmers wildly in candlelight, and it has a flat base with a domed top, you’re looking at a rose cut. 

 

OLD EUROPEAN DIAMONDS 

Another predecessor to the round brilliant, old European cut diamonds are a type of round diamond that was originally cut in 1890 to 1930. Back then, diamond cutters chose to maximize the carat weight of diamonds rather than their brilliance so these diamonds tend to sparkle less brilliantly than the brilliant cut. However, that’s not to say they’re not stunners in their own right. In fact, Old European cut diamonds are generally seen as a timeless cut that provides a super sustainable sparkle. You know, because vintage totally equals sustainable. 

 

OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS 

 

 

Before Old European, there was the old mine cut. Like the round brilliant, old mine cuts have 58 facets. Unlike the round brilliant, they maintain a smaller table, higher crown, and larger culet. Old mine diamonds were created in the early 1700s and cut by hand, to sparkle in candlelight. After all, that was the primary source of light at the time!

 

BONUS! JOHN DYER ROUND CUTS 

 

 

Ok, so they’re not diamonds but the next generation of round cut gemstones is here and it's sparkly. John Dyer is leading the charge in exciting new round gemstone cuts that offer unparalleled light play and fantasy-like symmetry. Some of the most common cuts that appear in round stones: 

• STARBRITE: A type of cut that utilizes special grooving techniques to offer greater overall brilliance. 

• SUNBURST: A round cut that features an octagonal table facet with no frosted facets. 

• DEEP CONCAVE: Takes advantage of a smaller radius cutter to create deep concave cuts that offer good tilt performance and brilliance. 

DOES IT MATTER IF YOUR ROUND DIAMOND IS LAB GROWN OR NATURAL? 

 

Nope! Both lab grown and natural diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from one another. In fact, a trained gemologist would have to view the diamond under 10x magnification before determining if it was lab or natural. 

ARE CERTAIN ROUND CUTS BETTER NATURAL VS LAB? 

This one is actually 50/50 because it depends a lot on what you value in your round diamond. For example, while it is possible to find Old European and Old Mined diamonds that are lab grown, many people find themselves drawn to that cut because of their storied significance. They don’t want a new diamond, they like the fact that it's been with other people and has a history all its own. In that case, a natural diamond would make more sense.  

 

On the other hand, rose cut and round brilliant diamonds are frequently made in labs and this abundance of supply can result in a lower cost than if a person was buying natural. So, if the historical significance of the diamond doesn’t matter as much as cost, another person may prefer to opt for the beauty of a lab grown round diamond. 

 

IF BRILLIANCE IS IMPORTANT - GET THE ROUND BRILLIANT 

If you dream of round sparkle that glitters no matter the light source, the round brilliant cut is for you. This is the sparkliest of all round diamonds and is the touchpoint for diamond grading. So if having a certified diamond is also important, you’ve gotta go for a round brilliant. Just keep in mind to consider all of the 4Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat, and that this specific cut, thanks to its popularity, is generally the most expensive.  

 

IF YOU LIKE THE BRILLIANCE OF ROUND BRILLIANT BUT WANT TO STAND OUT - GET THE OLD EUROPEAN 

An old European diamond is the closest version to round brilliant that is still slightly, “different”. So, if you march to the tune of your own drum and prefer to swim against the current, the old European is perfect for you. Just remember, you’re not going to get the full brilliance of the round brilliant cut, but hey, it'll look so uniquely stylish all on its own. 

 

IF YOU LIKE THE STORY BEHIND THE STONE - GET THE OLD MINE 

Old mine diamonds are some of the most storied stones out there, so for that added little oomph you can’t go wrong with one. Just remember: because most old mine diamonds were cut by hand they can vary in cut proportion and symmetry by a lot. Some old mine stones look closer to cushion cuts than round shapes. If you can, try to view your diamond up-close to ensure it is nice and round. 

 

IF YOU’RE A ROMANTIC AT HEART - GET THE ROSE CUT 

Because there’s nothing more romantic than roses and diamonds. We love the way the rose cut diamonds softly shimmer in candlelight. It’s sweet and nostalgic and will have you dazzling for a night out or in. Just keep in mind, the rose cut won't sparkle as much as the brilliant cut. But hey, that's why we love it!

 

FIND YOUR DREAM ROUND DIAMOND RING AT OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY

 

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing