Round Cut Engagement Rings

Round cut diamonds are arguably the most recognized gemstone cuts that are used in the making of engagement rings. Particularly in the selection of diamond rings. When it comes to engagement rings, the cut is arguably the most recognizable feature in a gemstone, besides its colour and type. So when choosing a particular cut a number of factors ought to be considered, in terms of its strengths and how it compares with your specific taste when it comes to the character of your gemstone. Here we will outline the features of round cut engagement rings, and the main factors you need to consider when choosing them.

The Main Features of Round Cut Engagement Rings

Diamond cutting is an intricate process. The type of cut affects the ways in which light interacts with specific gemstones. In round cut diamond or other gemstones, the stone cut is made up of 57 or 58 facets or sides: which are small parts that are found across the surface of the stone. The difference in number is determined by the presence or the absence of the culet – which is the flat face on the bottom of the diamond. In its absence, the round cut diamond or another gemstone will contain a tiny point at the base. In a uniformly cut diamond, the facets should meet at a perfect point – these diamonds will have no culet. Round cut diamond rings are popular as are able to accentuate the notable features that are associated with diamonds, thanks to their high number of culets: from the sparkle, scintillation and fire.

Why Round Cut Diamonds are Expensive

A potential disadvantage when going for round cut diamonds is the cost factor. In the making of round cut diamonds, when they are shaped from a rough stone, a considerable portion of the stone is removed. Since a large part of the diamond (according to certain estimates around 40 per cent), so the price point tends to be higher. Unlike other gemstone cuts where a smaller percentage of the rough stone is left uncut. However, this in turn is partly what drives the demand for diamonds, as people recognize their value in terms of craftsmanship that goes into, and the higher price they are paying for a more intricate cut.

Suitable for All Top Engagement Ring Styles

The appeal of round-cut gemstones is partly due to their suitability for virtually engagement ring styles. Whether it is the solitaire setting with its larger centre stone, or for a halo setting that requires a sizable main stone circled by smaller stones, the round cut is an optimal choice for them. However, its applicability in each of these settings will depend on the nature of the cut, and the level of clarity and the standard of the colour of the stone. Hence the 4Cs of diamonds must be considered combination when choosing this stone.

Origins of Round Cut Engagement Rings

The origins of this particular diamond cut go back to the early part of the 20th century. In 1919, a Belgian engineer named Marcel Tolkowsky developed the early versions of what would become the Round Cut. In his respected work “Diamond Design: A Study of the Reflection and Refraction of Light in Diamond” he outlined the key features of this particular gemstone cut and provided info on the ideal cut aspects of a Round Brilliant. As gemstone cuts, besides their main categorical differences in terms of cuts (e.g. Round, Princess, Cushion etc), also differ in terms of the quality of the cut. The ideal cut usually ranks at the top of the charts when it comes to the quality of the gemstone cut. Rounds cuts following their development and entry into the market have been popular ever since, with round cut engagement rings, either with centre diamonds or other gemstones leading the way. 

Varieties of Round Cut Setting

In the diamond market for fine jewellery, there are two notable types of round-cut diamonds: the Old European round cut diamond, and brilliant round cut. The latter is a diamond cut that takes inspiration from a different age. Taking inspiration from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Old European cut was a popular diamond choice. A more traditional choice that has been surpassed by the popularity of the round brilliant cut. 

Old European Round Cut

The old European cut features facets that are larger and triangular in terms of their arrangement. Possibly a result of the larger, more expensive diamonds that were at the disposal of the royalty and other nobility who had access to them. Old European cut, which was presumably made to diamonds that had larger carats, was cut to optimize their colour and possibly clarity. The Old European and the Round Cut is that the Old European maintains facets with triangular blocks. 

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

The more popular round brilliant cut diamonds have thinner seemingly more elongated facets. A product of advancing technology and crafting techniques; with diamonds and other gemstones being cut and shaped according to very specific requirements, With changes being made to all parts of the stone: tables, and facets, to the presence or absence of culets, enabled the emergence of new diamond cut varieties. Round brilliant cuts, which are more popular with the average jewellery buyer, as the cut is optimized for brilliance, and is a solid option for engagement ring buyers who wishes to showcase this particular diamond effect.

Why Choose Round Cut Engagement Rings

When it comes to choosing between the two, the round brilliant cut is more popular, and hence more accessible. Whilst old European cut may be available when it comes to custom jewellery. The appeal of round cut gemstones, particularly when it comes to diamonds is determined by a number of factors. Round cut gemstones are recognised for their historical value, with the more traditional version of this cut has been around for centuries, this cut can be deemed to be a timeless one. In addition the round cut diamonds are also known for their versatility: as their particular size is deemed to be suitable for use as side stones, or as accent stones. One must also consider that the quality of the round cut diamond will vary, with major diamond authorities like the GIA categorising diamonds on a scale that goes from Poor – Excellent. Whilst the terminology may differ depending on the jeweller in question, round cuts also differ in terms of finesse and expertise that goes into making the gemstone cut a good one. So when it comes to engagement rings, round cuts are a great option.