With every purchase over $2500.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
What is the round brilliant cut diamond?
The round brilliant cut diamond refers to a diamond that is cut in a certain way with numerous facets to create its brilliance. Arguably the most popular and sought after diamond cut for diamond engagement rings and other diamond jewellery due to its brilliance (brightness). The round brilliant cut diamond’s brilliance is created by its cone shape to ensure maximum light return through to the top of the diamond. In other words, the shape is such that it sparkles and creates that “wow” factor!
The cut modern round brilliants have 58 facets (or 57 without culet – the flat face at the bottom of the diamond), of which 33 are on the crown or top half of the diamond and 25 are on the pavilion or bottom side of the diamond.
On occasion, the girdle or outer edge of the diamond is faceted, however if this is the case, it is not included in the cut total.
Looking at the top of the round brilliant cut diamond, there are 8 start facets in the top half of the diamond, 8 bezel facets and 16 upper girdle facets. On the bottom half of the diamond, we find 16 lower and upper girdle facets (each), 8 pavilion facets and potentially a culet.
What is the history of the round brilliant cut diamond?
The original round brilliant cut diamond was created by Marcel Tolkowsky in the early 20th Century. In the process of cutting a round brilliant, often more than 50 percent is lost of the original rough. This is a dramatic loss in the original diamond weight, however the cone shape is hugely impressive because it ensures the maximum light return for a sparkly effect.
What is the hearts and arrows effect?
Hearts and arrows refers to a pattern that can be seen if the top table facet is exactly perpendicular to the bottom half or pavilion of the diamond, with other facets precisely aligned with great symmetry. The pattern is viewed under a gem scope and only when the diamond itself is loose. It cannot be observed with the naked eye.
The pattern resembles arrows from the bottom and hearts from the top, hence the hearts and arrows name.
It is commonly believed that a round brilliant cut diamond with the hearts and arrows pattern is a top-tier cut diamond, however it does not necessarily mean the diamond will be the most brilliant. This is because to achieve optimal brilliance (brightness), optimal facet placement is the key. This is why not every ideal round brilliant cut diamond will exhibit the hearts and arrows effect.
