The Round Brilliant Cut is by far the most popular and widely recognised diamond cut, known for its ability to showcase a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation. It is designed to maximise the diamond’s reflective qualities and ensure that the stone sparkles to its fullest potential. The cut is characterised by its circular outline and cone-shaped pavilion, with a set number of facets that are precisely arranged to enhance the light performance of the diamond.
Key Features of the Round Brilliant Cut
Shape and Outline:
As the name suggests, the round brilliant cut is defined by its circular shape, which makes it instantly recognisable. This symmetrical shape enhances the light return, which is one of the key factors that contributes to the diamond’s brilliance. The round shape also provides a classic aesthetic, making it a timeless choice for engagement rings and other fine jewellery.
Facets:
The standard round brilliant cut typically has 57 facets, though some stones may have 58 facets if the culet (the small flat facet at the bottom of the diamond) is also included. These facets are carefully cut to reflect and refract light, creating the characteristic sparkle and fire that makes the round brilliant cut so desirable.
The facets of a round brilliant diamond are divided into three main sections: the crown, girdle, and pavilion:
Crown: The upper portion of the diamond, which includes the table (the flat top surface) and the facets that radiate from it.
Pavilion: The lower portion, which is cone-shaped and holds the majority of the diamond’s facets.
Girdle: The thin band around the diamond that separates the crown from the pavilion.
Brilliance, Fire, and Scintillation:
The brilliance of a round brilliant cut diamond refers to its white light reflection, or how much light the diamond returns to the eye. The angles and arrangement of the facets are designed to allow light to enter through the table, reflect off the internal surfaces, and return through the top of the diamond, creating that dazzling sparkle.
Fire refers to the flashes of coloured light that appear as the diamond moves. The number of facets in a round brilliant cut maximises the dispersion of light, creating vibrant flashes of red, blue, and yellow as the stone is rotated.
Scintillation is the term for the sparkle or twinkle of the diamond as it moves. A round brilliant cut diamond will exhibit high scintillation, meaning that it produces continuous flashes of light with every slight motion.
Cut Quality:
The cut quality of a round brilliant diamond is one of the most important factors influencing its overall beauty. The proportions of the diamond, including the table size, crown angle, pavilion depth, and girdle thickness, all play a crucial role in how well the diamond performs with light.
A well-cut diamond will have a perfect balance between brilliance, fire, and scintillation, with all the facets working together to maximise the diamond’s light return.
Diamonds with poor proportions will leak light, reducing the brilliance and fire of the stone, and making the diamond appear duller.
Round Brilliant Cut vs Other Cuts
The round brilliant cut is the most commonly chosen diamond shape, largely because it offers the best overall light performance. However, there are other shapes and cuts, each with their own appeal:
Cut Shape Facets Light Performance Appeal
Round Brilliant Circular 57 or 58 Exceptional brilliance, fire, scintillation Timeless, classic, maximum sparkle, highly popular
Princess Cut Square or Rectangular 57 Excellent brilliance, good scintillation Modern, sharp, distinctive, highly popular
Emerald Cut Rectangular 58 Moderate brilliance, strong clarity and transparency Elegant, sophisticated, highlights clarity
Cushion Cut Square with rounded corners 58 Good brilliance, antique-like appeal Romantic, vintage-inspired, soft sparkle
Oval Cut Oval 58 Similar to round, slightly elongated brilliance Unique, elegant, elongates the finger
Asscher Cut Square 58 Exceptional clarity, vintage look Art Deco style, striking clarity, bold aesthetic
Marquise Cut Boat-shaped 58 High brilliance, elongates appearance Dramatic, elegant, optimises carat weight
Advantages of the Round Brilliant Cut
Maximum Brilliance:
The round brilliant cut is specifically designed to maximise the brilliance of a diamond. The precise facet arrangement and angles ensure that the diamond performs optimally in terms of light reflection and refraction, resulting in a highly sparkling stone.
Timeless and Classic:
The round brilliant cut is a timeless design, and its classic appeal makes it one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewellery. Its symmetrical shape is universally appealing, and it remains a symbol of elegance and refinement.
Versatility:
A round brilliant cut diamond can complement a wide variety of settings, from solitaire rings to halo settings or more intricate designs. The shape’s versatility means it suits both traditional and modern jewellery styles, making it a versatile choice for all types of jewellery.
Resale Value:
Round brilliant cut diamonds tend to hold their value well in the market. Due to their popularity and high demand, they are often considered a good investment choice, with strong resale value.
Considerations When Choosing a Round Brilliant Cut
Cut Quality:
The cut of a round brilliant diamond is one of the most important factors in determining its overall appearance. It’s essential to consider the diamond’s proportions, as a well-cut stone will showcase the best light performance. Always ensure that the diamond has been graded by a reputable lab, such as the GIA or DCLA, to ensure the cut is of high quality.
Budget:
Round brilliant cut diamonds are often priced at a premium due to their popularity and demand. While they offer exceptional beauty, it’s important to set a budget that aligns with your preferences and financial considerations. Smaller diamonds or diamonds with lower colour or clarity grades may be more affordable, while larger, higher-quality stones will command a higher price.
Carat Size:
The size of the round brilliant cut diamond also impacts its value. Larger stones typically cost more, and their brilliance is even more pronounced due to the increased surface area. However, even smaller round brilliant diamonds can deliver incredible sparkle and beauty when cut well.
The round brilliant cut remains the most popular and sought-after diamond shape due to its exceptional brilliance, sparkle, and timeless appeal. Its carefully planned facet arrangement ensures optimal light performance, creating a diamond that dazzles with every movement. Whether as an engagement ring, a pendant, or earrings, the round brilliant cut continues to captivate and delight, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking a diamond with unmatched brilliance and elegance.
