Round brilliant diamonds have remained the diamond cut and style of choice for most jewelry—especially engagement rings, for the better part of the last century. According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the cut has existed for more than 600 years and has evolved from the Old European round cut into the brilliant cut used today.
The Old European form of the round cut featured a smaller table, shorter facet lengths and several other differences from the more modern brilliant cut. In 1919, Marcel Tolkowsky pioneered the brilliant cut that continues to captivate buyers today.
Seventy-five percent of all diamonds sold are round brilliant cuts. Their popularity lies in their perfect circular shape and the exceptional fire and brilliance that the facets create. Round stones hold timeless appeal and stand out in all setting styles.
Their versatile shape makes the round brilliant ideal for standard solitaire settings. As round diamonds offer the most brilliance, they stand alone well without the need for extra side stones to dress them up. Round brilliant cuts also complement colored gemstones well, as the brilliant cut exudes the most fire flashing the full spectrum of colors to complement any gemstone.
Higher popularity also means round engagement rings will retain their value better over time. While the popularity of certain diamond cuts tend to ebb and flow with fashion fads and celebrity whims, the round brilliant holds constant appeal. The round brilliant elicits classic elegance and has endured for generations, making it the go-to shape for investment grade diamond purchases.
Not only will the stone hold value, but as trends change, the versatility will allow you to change up the initial ring without buying a new center diamond. Many couples choose to re-do their engagement ring design or add to the existing ring. A round stone adapts to all setting styles and all cuts and colors of side stones. Any change that might be made to a round engagement ring in celebration of an anniversary can be made around the look and timeless appeal of the original round brilliant stone.
With the number of facets found in a brilliant cut, internal flaws can be masked more easily. The brilliance of the cut and the fire from the facets tend to distract the eye away from tiny inclusions, so buyers don’t have to be as concerned about perfect clarity. Step-faceted cuts like the emerald and Asscher cuts easily magnify imperfections and require buyers to look for diamonds of quality, which can quickly drive up cost.
Color grade also is much more of a concern for step-faceted or other fancy cuts. While color always remains an important component of the 4Cs of diamond grading, near colorless round cuts still tend to look brighter and whiter than fancier cuts or step-faceted cuts of the same near-colorless grade, again allowing a buyer to get a better value out of a round engagement ring.
Round diamonds have endured for hundreds of years, and the round brilliant cut remains the top choice for engagement rings. The brilliance and fire elicited from the many facets of the cut allow the round brilliant to work in every setting type—from solitaires to diamond bedecked halos. Round brilliant cuts are show-stopping stones that remain versatile, stylish and allow for minor imperfections to be masked by distracting fire and scintillation. Select a round brilliant diamond as the centerpiece stone for your engagement ring and indulge in timeless brilliance.
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