The 360 of Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Rings

— by Cullen Jewellery — Reading time 4 minutes

When it comes to choosing an engagement ring, few styles rival the allure of round brilliant engagement rings . Whether exploring options for a round engagement ring or unsure of what cut to decide on at all, the round brilliant is a firm favourite in engagement jewellery. We’re diving into everything you need to know, from price to the distinctions that make this style the star it is.

Are round brilliant diamonds more expensive?

A classic round solitaire in 18k Yellow Gold
Our Molly - 6 Claw Round Solitaire with Accent Stones with a Round Kashmir Blue Sapphire

The answer to this is that it’s subjective. Gemstone prices rely on four things; cut, colour, clarity and carat weight . Generally, round brilliant diamonds can come with a higher price tag compared to other cuts. But there's a reason for it. The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond shape, and it's also the most technically complex to cut. During the cutting process, a significant portion of the rough diamond is lost, often up to 60%, which contributes to its higher cost. That said, our range of lab-grown diamonds, moissanite and sapphires means you can still keep the costs modest while still getting the ring of your dreams.

How many facets are in a round brilliant cut diamond?

The 58 facets of the round brilliant cut
Our Nola - Round Halo with Cathedral

The magic of a round brilliant cut lies in its 58 facets (the angled edges cut on a gemstone). These facets are angled to optimise light performance, giving the diamond the sparkle they are loved for. This meticulous design is why round brilliant cuts are often considered the most sparkly of all diamond shapes.

Difference between round and brilliant cut diamonds

A collection of pear, round and oval cut moissanite stones
Jaylene - Round Trilogy with a Twisted Band with a Scarlet Red Round Sapphire

The terms "round" and "brilliant" are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference. “Round” refers to the shape of the diamond—perfectly circular when viewed from above. “Brilliant,” on the other hand, refers to the cutting style. A brilliant cut features those 58 facets that are designed to maximise light reflection.

So while all round brilliant engagement rings are brilliant cut, not all brilliant cuts are round. You’ll find brilliant cutting styles in other shapes too, such as oval , pear , and even marquise diamonds. Almost all round diamonds today are brilliant cut—especially those used in engagement rings. That’s because the brilliant cut is engineered for maximum sparkle, and when combined with the classic round shape, the result is a breathtaking display of light. However, historically there were other cutting styles for round diamonds, such as the old European cut, which was more common before modern diamond-cutting technology.

What wedding bands pair with round brilliant cut engagement rings?

Round brilliant cut diamonds are the perfect canvas for nearly any wedding bands. For a clean and elegant look, a plain metal band like our Ashton Plain Wedding Ring offers a seamless complement to a round engagement ring. This minimalist pairing lets the brilliance of the centre diamond take centre stage. To elevate the sparkle, many couples opt for a pavé wedding band like the Joanna Two Third Pavé Wedding Ring . This band features a row of smaller diamonds, enhancing the radiance of your round diamond ring without overpowering it.

If you're after something a little more unique, a round and marquise wedding band offers a stunning alternative. The alternating shapes in the Lana Round and Marquise Accent Wedding Ring brings a touch of individuality. The contrast between the soft curves of the round diamonds and the pointed tips of the marquise stones means the overall look is romantic, but still personal.

Summary

Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek, classic look or something out of the box, a round brilliant engagement ring can be styled to your taste. Explore our range of lab grown rings , or speak to us about custom-designing the ring of your dreams. Book an in-person or virtual appointment here .

Explore our range of round cut engagement rings today

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