Round Brilliance: Choosing High-Quality Stones for Your Engagement Ring
Round diamonds emit epic amounts of sparkle and fire, so it’s not surprising that round brilliants are the most popular cut for engagement rings. Many factors impact diamond quality, so you might be unsure what you need to look for. We’ve created a guide to help you understand the 4Cs of round diamonds so that you can be prepared on how to spot a quality round diamond.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Round Cut Diamonds
Round diamonds are sought after because they’re a versatile cut with timeless appeal. They’re the most popular diamond cut for engagement rings. One of the reasons round diamonds sparkle so much is because they have about 58 facets that absorb light and reflect it. Round diamonds, also called round brilliants, feature 57 or 58 facets of brilliance with 33 facets on the crown (the top of the diamond) and 25 on the pavilion (bottom of the diamond). The crown of the diamond, which is the top, features the table, 8-star facets, 8 kite facets, and 16 upper girdle facets. If the stone has 58 facets, the culet on the bottom point is the last facet to clip off the pointy diamond end. If the diamond has 57, then it still has the point.
Understanding the 4Cs
It’s helpful to understand the 4Cs as you browse round cut diamond engagement rings. Cut, color, clarity, and carat weight are commonly called the 4Cs and they impact the quality of the diamonds. Cut refers to the shape and how well the diamond is cut because the facets impact the brilliance. Color is the hue of the diamond that ranges from colorless to a slight tint. Clarity means the internal inclusions within the diamond. Some are hardly noticeable while others can be seen with the naked eye. Carat weight is the size of the diamond.
Focus on Cut Quality
Round diamonds have some unique quality attributes, such as their symmetry, proportions, and polish. Round diamond symmetry refers to how well the facets align with one another. A diamond with good symmetry has facets that are evenly shaped and properly aligned, which creates a proportioned and symmetrical appearance. Symmetry and proportion are important because they affect how light enters and reflects within the diamond. Symmetrical diamonds generally sparkle more because they can reflect light more evenly.
When looking at round diamonds, check its symmetry by examining how its facets align with each other. A diamond with good symmetry will have facets that meet neatly at the edges, while a diamond with poor symmetry may have misaligned facets or uneven shapes.
The diamond’s polish refers to the diamond’s surface. You don’t want to see any lines or blemishes. A well-polished diamond will have smooth, polished facets that allow light to enter and exit the stone without obstruction, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle.
Color Grading
Round diamonds are color graded on a scale that ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). There are plenty of round diamond options between D and Z. Some prefer a cooler, icier diamond while others like a warmer diamond with a slight hue. Round diamonds hide low color grades compared to other cuts. If you choose a J or higher color, then you won’t see the color.
Clarity Characteristics
Natural diamonds form within the earth so it’s common that they have inclusions and blemishes. Every diamond is unique! However, you might not want obvious inclusions in your stunning round diamond. Diamond clarity is graded on a scale ranging from "flawless" (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to "included" (inclusions and/or blemishes visible to the naked eye). Clearer diamonds are generally more valuable because they’re rarer.
Carat Weight Considerations
Carat weight refers to the diamond's weight—one carat equals 200 milligrams. While carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, it doesn't directly relate to the diamond's physical size. Diamonds that have more carat weight will be bigger. It’s important to note that the cut of the diamond impacts how big the round diamond looks. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can look different depending on how well they're cut. As you’re browsing different round diamonds, you’ll need to balance your budget with the size you’re looking for. Larger diamonds will cost more because they’re rarer.
Certification and Documentation
One helpful tip as you shop round diamonds is to look for certified diamonds. They’re accompanied with third-party reports that verify the quality of the diamond you selected and provide peace of mind of its quality and authenticity. Organizations like Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS) certify diamonds.
Budgeting Tips
Setting a budget before you start shopping can help streamline the process and narrow your options. You’ll have to weigh what you plan to spend with the quality factors that are important to you. Round diamonds hide color well, so you can choose a lower color grade if you want a higher quality factor in cut, clarity, or carat weight. Determine what you prefer and which quality attributes are most important.
Where to Buy
Another important tip is to research retailers before you purchase. You want a reputable retailer whether you choose an online retailer or a brick-and-mortar store. Look at customer reviews and review the quality of their products and company policies. Companies like with Clarity have a showroom and an online presence with exceptional customer service and lifetime warranties. Their innovation and transparency have revolutionized the engagement ring buying process.
Conclusion and Recap
Buying an engagement ring is a big deal, and arming yourself with knowledge about the quality of round diamonds and different factors to consider can help make the process easier and stress-free. You’ve learned about the 4Cs of round diamonds and are equipped to make a well-informed decision and get the diamond of your dreams. Enjoy the process, do the research, look for certified diamonds, and critically examine each gorgeous round stone before you decide on an engagement ring.
