Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Round Brilliant cut the most popular choice for engagement rings? +
The Round Brilliant cut features 58 facets specifically designed to reflect the maximum amount of light. It offers the most 'brilliance' (white light reflection) and 'fire' (colored light flashes) of any diamond shape, making it the most classic and sparkly choice.
How important is 'Cut' quality for a round diamond? +
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs for round diamonds. An 'Excellent' or 'Ideal' cut ensures that light enters through the top and reflects back out, rather than leaking through the bottom. A high-quality cut can even make a diamond appear larger and whiter than its actual grades suggest.
Does a round diamond hide inclusions better than other shapes? +
Yes. Because of its intense light reflection and 'scintillation,' a round brilliant diamond is excellent at masking small internal flaws. This often allows buyers to go lower in the clarity scale (to SI1 or SI2) while still having a diamond that looks perfect to the naked eye.
What is the 'Hearts and Arrows' effect in round diamonds? +
Hearts and Arrows refers to a precision-cut round diamond with near-perfect optical symmetry. When viewed through a special tool, it shows eight symmetrical hearts from the bottom and eight symmetrical arrows from the top, indicating superior light performance.
Do round diamonds look smaller or larger than fancy shapes? +
Because round diamonds are typically deeper than elongated shapes like ovals or pears, they may have a slightly smaller 'face-up' diameter. However, their superior sparkle often makes them appear more prominent and eye-catching from across a room.
Which setting styles are best for round diamonds? +
The versatility of the round shape means it looks stunning in almost any setting. A 4-prong setting maximizes light entry, a 6-prong (Tiffany style) offers extra security and emphasizes the round silhouette, and a bezel setting provides a sleek, modern, and snag-free look.
Are round diamonds more expensive than other shapes? +
Yes, round diamonds typically carry a higher price per carat than 'fancy' shapes. This is due to high market demand and the fact that more of the original rough diamond is lost (wasted) during the cutting process to achieve the perfect circular shape.