The round cut is among the most popular and dazzling diamond cuts on the market. While it is a somewhat recent creation compared to more basic diamond cuts from centuries past, it has been one of the most beloved diamond cuts for engagement rings in the 20th and 21st centuries. If you’re new to diamond cuts or you simply want to learn more about the round cut, you probably have a lot of questions.

For instance, what exactly does a round cut diamond look like? How many facets does it have? What’s the difference between round and round brilliant cuts? Are round cut diamond rings more expensive? Finally, where can you find high-quality preowned round cut diamond rings at affordable prices?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at some of the basics of the round cut diamond.

Round Diamond Basics

When it comes to deciding whether a round cut diamond is the best option for your engagement ring, nothing beats seeing the diamond in person. In the meantime, it’s important to understand the features and characteristics that make round cut diamonds unique. So, let’s look over some of the basics:

• Shape - As the name implies, the round cut diamond has a circular shape when looking at it from directly above or below. It benefits from a smooth, rounded edge that makes it a great choice for a variety of settings. Round cut diamonds are widest at the crown, with a raised table that is smaller in circumference. The pavilion or bottom half of the diamond typically reduces to a sharp point, known as the culet.
• Size - The actual size of a specific diamond is completely dependent on the carat(s). However, round cut diamonds have a shape that may not align with the shape of rough-cut diamond crystals. This means that there is often more leftover material when cutting a round diamond, making it more expensive to cut round diamonds for jewelry.
• Setting Options - Round cut diamonds are ideal for a wide range of settings, though they are most often put in solitaire settings to show off their shape and brilliance. You may also see round cut diamonds in halo, pave, and three-stone settings.

What Is A Round Diamond Called?

The round cut diamond is an apt name, but it actually has a long history and has gone by several names over the years. The round cut was originally developed in the late 18th century, when it was known as the “Old European Cut.” Though the Old European Cut was more narrow and vertically oblong than the modern round cut, technically making it the predecessor to the round cut you can find in jewelry shops today. Both diamond cuts feature the same round shape, and both share the Old Mine Cut as one of their earliest predecessors.

Though the name “Old European Cut” is only used for vintage diamonds now, it is still a part of the round cut family. And if you’ve spent any time shopping for diamond engagement rings, you’ve probably come across Round Brilliant or simply Brilliant diamonds. In essence, both of these names refer to the same thing. They are both round diamonds cut into the same shape to get the most brilliance or “sparkle” out of the diamond.

How Many Facets Are There In A Round Brilliant Diamond?

The number of facets a round cut diamond has will depend on how and when it was made. Old European Cut diamonds are more likely to have 57 facets, though they can also have 58. Alternatively, modern round and round brilliant diamonds are more likely to have 58 facets, but they can still have 57 in some cases. Either way, the high number of facets is part of what makes round brilliant diamonds so bright and alluring.

Are Round Diamonds Cheaper Or More Expensive Than Other Cuts?

In general, round cut diamonds are more expensive than most alternative diamond cuts. This is due to a few factors, including the diamond yield (or wastage) when creating round cut diamonds, as well as their overall popularity. By some estimates, round cut diamonds leave behind as much as 50% of their carat weight when cut from a larger diamond piece. This makes the process of creating round cut diamonds more wasteful and, therefore, more expensive. Moreover, the round cut is one of the most popular and sought-after diamond cuts in the world, and the high demand only raises prices further.

Round Diamond Sizing

So how big is a round cut diamond? As stated previously, size can vary from one round cut diamond to the next. However, the exact size is linked to the number of carats. If you’re measuring a diamond from one end of the crown to the other, the size increases by somewhere between 1 and 1.5 millimeters per carat. For example, a 1-carat diamond will typically have a diameter of 6 mm. As the carats increase, the diameter increases proportionally. 2-carat diamonds are about 8.5 mm, 3-carat diamonds are about 9.3 mm, and 4-carat diamonds are around 10.4 mm.

Is Color Or Clarity More Important In A Round Diamond?

This always comes down to personal taste. Clarity is very important for the visual appeal of a diamond, as it refers to the presence or absence of internal and external inclusions. A ring with higher clarity (and fewer inclusions) will look clearer, brighter, and more brilliant. This can help enhance the naturally brilliant appearance of a round cut diamond even further.

That said, color is important, too. You may want a round cut diamond with little natural color, which is very common for engagement rings. However, if you have very specific preferences, you might want a fancy color like red or green, in which case your diamond will likely be much more expensive. Either way, you’ll want to find a good balance between your ideal clarity and color when choosing a round cut diamond ring.

How To Buy Or Sell Used Round Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

Are you looking for a way to buy or sell preowned round cut engagement rings? If so, Have You Seen The Ring is the perfect solution for you. As a buyer, you have access to hundreds of sellers all across the country. You can browse through the available round cut diamond engagement rings, make bids on the ones you like, and come to an agreement with the seller (or sellers). Once you submit your payment to be held in escrow, we will verify the authenticity of the ring and send it straight to your door!

As a seller, the process is just as easy on the HYSTR marketplace. You only need to upload some clear pictures of your round cut diamond engagement ring, include any identifying information and documentation (if available), and set an asking price. You can field bids until you can come to an agreement with a prospective buyer. Then, you mail the ring to us for authentication and wait to receive your check in the mail. It’s really that easy!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on round cut diamond rings! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!