Round Shaped Diamonds

Round brilliant diamonds are the most popular and widely recognised diamond shape, known for their exceptional brilliance and fire. This cut features 58 facets, meticulously arranged to maximise the stone's ability to reflect and refract light, creating a dazzling display of sparkle and scintillation.

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About the Round Brilliant Cut

The first round diamond cut, known as the "old mine cut," emerged in the late 17th century, but it was not until the early 20th century that the modern round brilliant cut was developed and perfected. This transformation is largely credited to Marcel Tolkowsky, a mathematician and gemologist who, in 1919, published his seminal work on the optimal proportions for maximizing a diamond's brilliance and fire. Tolkowsky's calculations laid the foundation for the round brilliant cut, which features 58 facets strategically arranged to enhance the stone's light performance. This cut quickly gained popularity throughout the 20th century due to its unparalleled sparkle and timeless appeal. By the mid-20th century, advancements in cutting technology and increased consumer demand solidified the round brilliant cut as the most popular and sought-after diamond shape, a status it continues to hold today.

Its symmetrical, circular shape makes it a versatile choice for various types of jewellery, particularly engagement rings. The precise proportions and angles of a well-cut round brilliant diamond ensure optimal light performance, making it appear bright and lively from every angle. This timeless and classic cut remains a favourite among consumers for its unmatched radiance and elegant appearance.

Round Diamonds at a glance

Cut Style	Brilliant
Number of Facets	58
Distinct Characteristics	Scintillation adds a dynamic and lively character, making it captivating to the eye as it moves. This characteristic, combined with brilliance and fire, defines the overall beauty and allure.

What Does Carat Weight Actually Look Like?

You’ve likely heard of carat weight; the higher the number, the heavier (and typically more valuable) the diamond. But how does that weight translate to what you actually see? While carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size, a higher carat often means a visibly larger stone - though not always in the way you might expect. For example, a 2-carat round diamond doesn’t look twice as big as a 1-carat. Cut and proportions all influence how large a diamond appears, so carat weight is just one piece of the puzzle when choosing the perfect round diamond engagement ring. This image illustrates how big the round diamond looks in relation to its weight.
It's worth noting as well that this is assuming excellent proportions for optimum light performance. A deeper cut will have a smaller top surface area, while a shallower cut may look bigger but light is lost out of the side and ultimately not have the same sparkle.