In our basic diamond education series, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the 10 most popular diamond shapes as well as the four C’s. This post will focus on the most frequently purchased shape: the round brilliant cut. Read on to learn what makes this simple shape so covetable.
Popular Diamond Shapes
Elongated shapes are enjoying a heyday. The most popular engagement ring style at the moment is a large oval-cut diamond on a thin band. The step-cut emerald reflects light from its parallel planes of facets, and the radiant-cut diamond combines the emerald’s shape with the oval’s soft edges.
Shapes with squared edges are common, as well. Since the 1970s, princess cuts have provided a non-traditional diamond alternative to round and fancy shapes. The Asscher cut, another step-cut style, has facets like an emerald. The cushion is a modified brilliant cut with clean lines and intense sparkle.
Several fancy diamond shapes feature elegant points and feminine curves. The pear shape resembles a teardrop, and the unique marquise cut is like an oval with a sharp point at each end. A fitting symbol of love, the heart shape looks best in large carat weights as too small a size can visually obscure the shape.
The round brilliant cut diamond has remained the most popular stone for engagement rings for decades. Because this shape has been on the market for so long, diamond cutters have had centuries to experiment with different cutting techniques. The modern brilliant cut is prized for its sparkle and fire.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Although round diamonds may look like simple circles at first glance, there is more to them than meets the eye. Rounds tend to look brighter than fancy shapes because the mechanics of the circle allow proper light reflection. The facets can be carefully manipulated to produce dazzling shine.
In 1919, engineer Marcel Tolkowsky published a paper describing the ideal proportions of a round-cut diamond to maximize both the light return, or brilliance, and the light dispersion, commonly known as fire. His original specifications have been modified over time as experts have perfected the cut. Advancements in technique and technology, like laser cutting and lab creation, have produced the exquisitely brilliant round diamonds that we enjoy today.
High demand makes round diamonds slightly more expensive than fancy shapes. Another influential factor in price is the increased amount of rough stone lost when cutting diamonds into circles. Still, round diamonds are the most popular; 75% of all diamonds sold are brilliant-cut rounds. Additionally, several fancy cut shapes are modified brilliant cuts that owe their appeal to the humble round diamond.
With round brilliant cut diamonds, engagement ring possibilities are endless. The classic solitaire, three-stone, and halo silhouettes are naturally popular choices. Round diamonds are also commonly used as accents to add sparkle to engagement rings and wedding bands. For a more unique look, brides may choose a brilliant round center diamond with baguette accents, a tapered or twisted band, or a contoured halo that alters the perceived shape of the centerpiece.
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