When it comes to choosing the diamond for your forever ring, it's not just about size or clarity or price—it's also about mood. Feel. The way a stone catches the light or whispers something quietly romantic every time it flashes on your finger.
Two of the most distinct personalities in the world of diamonds are rose cuts and brilliant cuts. Both beautiful, both timeless in their own way, but very different in look and in spirit. So let’s break it down.
Brilliant Cuts: sparkle turned all the way up
The modern round brilliant is the most common diamond cut—and for good reason. With 57 or 58 facets, it’s engineered for maximum sparkle. Fire, brilliance, that unmistakable diamond-y dazzle? All brilliant cut. It’s got presence. It demands attention. It’s perfect for lovers of shine, light play, and traditional glamour.
But all that sparkle does come at a cost—literally. Brilliant cuts require more rough material to shape, which typically makes them more expensive per carat than a rose cut.
Rose Cuts: old-world charm and a softer glow
Rose cuts are having a moment, and we’re here for it. With their flat backs and faceted domes, rose cuts have been around since the 16th century. They were the go-to for Georgian and Victorian jewellery, and they still carry that romantic, antique energy. They reflect light in a softer, more subtle way—more of a glow than a sparkle.
Because they’re flat-backed, rose cuts also sit lower on the finger, making them great for someone who wants a low-profile ring with impact. They also often look larger than brilliant cuts of the same carat weight, since more of the surface area is visible from the top. A win-win if you’re after drama without the height.
Choose your fighter! Except, how do you choose?
It depends on what you love. If you're drawn to light-play and classic brilliance, the round brilliant will never steer you wrong. But if you're craving something a little different—something ethereal, vintage-feeling, and less expected—a rose cut might be your perfect match.
And at the end of the day, there’s no wrong answer. Diamonds, like people, are multifaceted. You just have to find the one that speaks to you.
Need help choosing? Come visit us in store—we’ll talk you through it in person.
