What is a round cut diamond?

When it comes to selecting a diamond, the options are plentiful, but there’s one particular style that has stood the test of time: the round cut diamond. But what makes the simplest diamond cut the most popular? Let’s get into its pros and cons.

What defines a round cut diamond?

A round cut diamond is a diamond cut into a round circular shape. The round cut diamond is a classic choice, featuring 58 facets meticulously cut to maximise brilliance and sparkle. It really is the epitome of what you think of when you think of a diamond. Because the round cut is a ‘brilliant cut’, its perfectly placed facets make it the sparkliest diamond shape of them all.

Advantages of a round cut diamond:

• Unparalleled brilliance: Thanks to its precise faceting, the round cut offers exceptional sparkle and brightness. Essentially, if you’re all about the sparkle, a round cut is the one for you.
• Versatile: Its timeless shape makes it suitable for a variety of settings and styles, from simple solitaires to more elaborate designs.
• Hides inclusions well: The round cut is quite forgiving; its brilliance helps mask inclusions or colour tints in the diamond. This means you may be able to get away with a slightly ‘worse’ (I.e., cheaper) grade of diamond).
• High resale value: Due to its enduring popularity, round cut diamonds tend to hold their value well over time.
• ‘Can’t go wrong’: it’s such a classic design, that it’s hard to ‘go wrong’ with it, which is important factor to consider if you’re considering utilising a round cut in an engagement ring.

Potential drawbacks of the round cut diamond:

There really aren’t many cons that come to mind when thinking about the round cut diamond, but here are a few things to consider:

• Price: Round cut diamonds are often more expensive than other shapes due to high demand and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting.
• May appear smaller: When compared carat-for-carat with other shapes, a round cut diamond may appear smaller – so you may need a larger carat weight than some other stones, which actually can appear larger than they are.
• Some people consider it ‘boring’: a round cut is a very traditional option, which for some who want something a little different, may not think is unique enough.

Choosing the perfect round cut diamond:

• Focus on cut quality: Since brilliance is a round cut diamond’s hallmark, prioritise a high cut grade.
• Consider carat and size: Decide on your preferred size and find a carat weight that matches your budget.
• Balance the 4 Cs: Don’t forget about colour, clarity, and carat weight, but remember that a higher cut quality can compensate for lower grades in the other Cs.

Looking for your perfect round cut diamond ring?

Take a look at our selection of round cut diamond engagement rings, here. However, if you think a round cut might be a little too traditional for you, read up on some of the other shapes available – such as pear cuts, cushion cuts and oval diamonds.