An engagement ring is an important symbol of commitment and love, so it should be chosen carefully.
Round diamonds are one of the most popular cuts used in engagement rings because they embody timeless beauty and elegance.They have a classic shape and a signature sparkle, making them the perfect choice for any piece of jewelry, but especially for engagement rings.
In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of round diamonds, what to look for when buying one and how to care for your new ring properly once you’ve made your purchase.
What Is a Round Diamond?
A round diamond, also known as a brilliant-cut diamond, consists of 58 facets that create their signature sparkle and has been popular for centuries. Round diamonds have remained an ever-present stone of choice within the jewelry industry thanks to their long-lasting brilliance and graceful silhouette when used for engagement rings.
How Much Does A Round Diamond Engagement Ring Cost?
Although round cut diamonds make up the majority of diamonds sold, they do usually come at a higher cost than other shapes. This is because round diamonds are cut with more precision, resulting in a stone that has more sparkle and a higher cut grade.
That being said, round diamonds are still the most sought after shape. They are incredibly desirable for those looking for a classic piece that will last a lifetime.
So, how much should you expect to spend on an engagement ring? It depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a ring. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for a round diamond ring. There are many factors that will contribute to the final cost. This is where the 4C’s comes into play. So how do you know what to shop for?
Learn the 4 C's of Round Diamonds
The 4 C’s of diamonds refers to the four important characteristics that must be considered to determine the quality and value of a diamond. Here’s a breakdown of each of these important elements:
Clarity – A diamond’s clarity is determined by assessing the number and size of blemishes or inclusions in a round cut diamond under 10x magnification. The fewer blemishes or inclusions present, the higher its clarity grade will be. This is important because higher clarity grades will show off its luster better than lower clarity grades. If you’re looking for a round cut diamond that will stand out from the crowd, look for one with higher clarity grades (F-VS2).
Color – A diamond with a higher color grade will also be pricier than one with a lower grade. Reference the GIA’s D-Z diamond color scale which goes from colorless (D) at one end to light yellow (Z) at the other end. Round cut diamonds that fall closer to D on this scale tend to look brighter and more brilliant when compared to those that fall on the other end of the spectrum (Z).
Cut – This refers to the angles and proportions of a round cut diamond, (not the shape of the diamond as many people believe). The cut affects how much light it reflects and refracts. The round cut diamond is designed to maximize these effects, creating its mesmerizing sparkle. When shopping for round cut diamonds, look for one with an excellent, very good or good cut grade as this will ensure fire and brightness.
Carat Weight – This is the measure of a diamond’s weight (not the diameter). Larger round cuts are rarer than smaller ones; thus making them more valuable per carat, but also more expensive overall due to their greater size.
When looking at all these factors together you should be able to find a high-quality round engagement ring that suits your needs perfectly!
3 Popular Settings for Round Diamond Engagement Rings
If you’re considering a round diamond for your engagement ring, here are some popular setting options to consider that are perfect for enhancing this cut.
Solitaire Setting – A solitaire setting features a single stone, placing emphasis on the diamond’s beauty. A four prong solitaire setting is one of the most popular choices for round diamonds as it allows the most light to pass through, resulting in a gorgeous bright shine.
Halo Setting – In a halo setting, small diamonds surround the center diamond, making it appear larger with stunning visual impact. Halo settings are available in a variety of styles, such as double halo, and they can be incorporated with different mountings such as prong or basket.
Three-Stone Setting – Many people opt for a three-stone setting with one round diamond in the center, flanked by two smaller diamonds on each side. This makes the center diamond appear even larger than it actually is. Three-stone settings are also a great way to represent your relationship’s past, present and future.
A professional jeweler can help guide you by showing you different setting and style options that work well with the recipient’s personality and your budget.
The Pro’s and Con’s of Round Diamonds
Overall, round cut diamonds can be an excellent choice when shopping due to their obvious beauty and classic design; however it is important to understand that among the many benefits round diamonds offer, there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Benefits
- Brilliance – Round cuts tend to be more brilliant than other diamond shapes because they are specifically designed to maximize how the light strikes the surface, enters the diamond, and returns to your eye. This creates a mesmerizing sparkle that make round cut diamonds incredibly captivating.
- Symmetry – Round cuts are more symmetrical than other diamond shapes, making them look balanced and perfect in solitaire settings or in jewelry with multiple stones.
- Availability – Because this cut is very popular, they tend to be more available and also more affordable than fancier cuts like princess cut or emerald cut.
- Durability – Round diamonds are very durable which makes them ideal for everyday wear.
Drawbacks
- More Carat Weight – Round cut diamonds tend to require more weight in order to achieve the same size of other fancy-shaped diamonds.
- Special Attention – Because of its 58 facets, it may require more attention when setting the diamond to prevent chips or cracks from occurring over time.
- Shows Flaws – Round cut diamonds do not hide flaws as well as princess or cushion-cut stones do; therefore it’s important to look for a higher clarity grade if you choose this shape. Additionally, round cuts also have higher chances of developing bow-tie effect (dark areas across the center of the diamond caused by poor cutting angles) when compared with other diamond shapes that have a much smaller risk of this occurrence.
- Appear Smaller – Because of its symmetrical shape, a round cut diamond may appear smaller than it is when viewed from certain angles. However, setting a round diamond in a halo or prong setting helps maximize its appearance.
How to Care for a Round Diamond
Once you’ve chosen the perfect round diamond for your engagement ring or piece of jewelry, it is important to know how to properly care for it to ensure its beauty lasts for years to come.
Here are three quick tips for keeping your round cut diamond in pristine condition:
- Take it Off – You should always remove your ring when engaging in any activities that may cause damage, such as gardening or sports. Additionally, be sure to clean your diamond regularly with a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth or brush; this will help remove any dirt or oils that accumulate on the stone. At Brinker’s Jewelers we always tell our customers to make your ring the last thing you put on before you leave and the first thing you take off when you get home.
- Store it Alone – Store your diamond away from other jewelry pieces; this will prevent them from scratching each other which could result in dulling their appearance over time.
- Have it Professionally Serviced – It is also wise to take your ring to a professional jeweler every 6 to 12 months, at the least, to have experts clean it and check for any loose stones. At Brinker’s Jewelers we suggest a cleaning and stone check every 3 to 4 months and we offer a complimentary “Spa Day” for your ring annually if you have purchased your ring from us.
How Do Round Diamonds Compare to Oval Diamonds?
Round cut diamonds are generally seen as the most popular and classic choice for diamond shapes due to their quintessential, symmetrical qualities. However, one might wonder how oval diamonds compare when placed next to round diamond options.
When compared side-by-side, round cut diamonds tend to have more brilliance and sparkle since their facets are designed in an uninterrupted circle pattern.
Oval diamonds have an elliptical or oblong silhouette that can sometimes appear distorted or off-center when viewed from different angles. However, this elongated shape can also make them appear larger than round cuts..
In terms of carat weight, round cut diamonds usually require more carat weight than oval cuts to achieve the same size. For example, a one-carat round diamond will be noticeably smaller than a one-carat oval diamond due to its increased circumference.
Finally, round cut diamonds tend to be less expensive than oval cuts because they are more available on the market whereas oval cuts are more rare and require extra time and skill for cutting—therefore commanding higher prices.
Overall, round cut diamonds are a classic favorite due to their undeniable shimmer. Oval diamonds offer a unique take on the shape and often appear larger than round cuts at the same carat weight.
Get A Sparkle That Never Goes Out Of Style With A Round Diamond Engagement Ring
Round cut diamonds are renowned for their fire, brilliance, and scintillation – three elements that are essential to a beautiful diamond. When these factors all come together, you get the ideal diamond with maximum light performance.
If you’re looking for a round diamond engagement ring or piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime, let Brinker’s Jewelers help. Our experienced staff can walk you through the different characteristics and show you a variety of setting options that can enhance the diamond’s overall appearance.
We look forward to helping you find the perfect engagement ring.
