Round brilliant cut diamonds are some of the most popular diamond cuts on the market today. With their classic shape and incredible sparkle, they make a great choice whether you’re looking to buy your first diamond or your 20th.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
The round brilliant cut diamond is arguably one of, if not the most popular diamond shapes in jewelry. It’s also undoubtedly one of, if not THE most, popular diamond cuts used in engagement rings. So what makes it so special? The facets of a round brilliant cut are positioned to capture and reflect light more than any other diamond cut (with its 56 facets).
When you look at a round brilliant cut diamond under magnification, you’ll see that each facet is an octagon shape with sides measuring about 11 or 12 angles. This maximizes all aspects of sparkle, fire and brilliance when light reflects off of them. But how do you tell good quality round brilliant cut diamonds from mediocre ones?
Round vs. Princess
Diamond cuts can range from simple to extravagant, but it all comes down to personal preference.
- The round cut is a classic, and it’s been popular for years. It can also be quite pricey if you’re looking for a high-quality stone.
- The princess cut, which features a square diamond with soft corners, provides an alternative if you’re not a fan of round diamonds but don’t have a large budget.
Both cuts sparkle—round cuts just do so in different ways that might appeal more to your eye.
Princess vs. Emerald
The main differences between a princess cut diamond and an emerald cut diamond come down to a single aspect: carat weight. The longer a gem is, the more light will bounce around it. Because of that, emerald cuts are often favored in:
- Larger diamonds
- Pendants
- Rings
In other words, if you’re looking for something under five carats, go with a princess cut; above that point, consider an emerald cut. An exception here is that some people prefer square-shaped emerald cuts in larger stones.
Does a Round-Cut Diamond Shine The Brightest?
Round-cut diamonds have always been prized for their brilliant sparkle, but in recent years some other shapes have appeared that are also pretty dazzling. For example, an emerald cut diamond doesn’t have nearly as many facets as a round stone of equal size, so there is more brilliance per carat with an emerald-cut diamond.