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Intrigued by rose cut diamonds? You’re not alone! Perfect for romantics, history lovers, and those who want super-low settings (medical field anyone?) roses are taking back their historic place in jewelry. Read on to learn more about this cut, its history, and how to pick the best one!
What is a rose cut diamond?
A rose cut diamond is a stone that is covered with small triangular facets across its entire top (aka without a single large table facet), and typically flat on its bottom. Its faceting is meant to look like the swirling petals of a rose! Because most rose cuts do not have pavilion (bottom) facets, the give off a soft, billowy shimmer, rather than a sparkle. “Double rose” cuts are rose faceted on both top and bottom!
Why choose rose cut diamond?
Couples choose rose cuts because they are super romantic, vintage, and BIG. One of the coolest things about rose cuts is their ability to look almost double their carat weight. So, you can get a really huge look for less money. Other couples choose rose cuts because of their understated elegance. We also have couples that choose rose cuts because they are very low-profile. This is a perfect choice for people in healthcare fields that wear gloves all day!
Do rose cut diamonds look bigger?
Yes. Because rose cut diamonds are flat on the bottom, their weight is spread across its width! That means that rose cuts look significantly larger than traditionally cut diamonds that hold weight in their bottoms. This can be a particularly cool thing for side stones in a halo setting – you can go BIG!
Are rose cut diamonds durable?
Yes, as long as they are set well. Rose cut diamonds that are set in bezels or halos are super durable. Caution should be taken, however, to ensure that they are not set in standard prong settings which expose them. Because rose cuts are thin (flat on the bottom) exposed edges can be prone to chipping. So, the key to success with roses is to make sure they are protected by metal.
Rose cut diamond quality
So how do you pick the best rose cut? Here are 5 easy factors to consider:
1. Facet symmetry
High quality rose cut diamonds are covered in tiny symmetrical triangular cut facets. This gives a beautiful, high end look. However, there are also lower quality rose cuts on the market – as well as shallow, traditionally cut diamonds flipped on their tables and marketed as rose cuts. For artistic/organic designs, these more haphazard facets may work. However, for a more traditional engagement ring, make sure your facets are even! Here’s how:
- Check for triangles in a row! Shallow, traditionally cut stones flipped over will come to a pie-shaped (or star-shaped) point in the center. On the other hand, true modern rose cuts will have triangles all in a row. Faux flipped-over roses are not necessarily bad – they just look more artsy/antique. So, if you’re going for high end modern class, stick with the rows!
- Look for symmetry: imagine a dotted line through the center of your stone. Do the sides look like mirror images? Or, is it uneven? You want crisp, beautifully matched triangles!
2. Outline symmetry
The outer shape of your rose cut should be pleasing and symmetrical. So, imagine that dotted line through the center of your stone. Does the right look like the left? Is the shape pretty, or is it a bit harsh? Or out of round? Unless you’re going for an organic rose cut, make sure the outline looks perfectly symmetrical! Small differences can turn a crisp, high end look, into a more haphazard appearance quickly.
3. Hi Dome vs Low Dome
The “dome” of your rose cut is how tall it is off of the finger. The higher dome, the less see-through your stone will be. Likewise, the lower the dome, the more see-through! However, higher domed stones can be more prone to chipping because of their high pointed facets. So, most rose cuts are cut somewhere in-between at a middle height to get the benefit of great reflection but without durability issues.
Gem Geek: Mogul diamonds are ancient super high dome rose cuts!
4. Rose cut diamond color
Rose cut diamonds are unique in that they are somewhat see-through, so, choosing your diamond color has much to do with your setting. So, if you are setting in yellow or rose gold, a near colorless option (GHIJ) will be perfect! However, if you are setting in white metal (white gold or platinum) you’ll want to look for a truly “white” option G+. This is because the white metal will show through your stone, and make any yellow tint in a IJ- color stone obvious.
5. Rose cut diamond clarity
Because rose cuts are somewhat see-through, clarity is a big deal! In order to get a truly eye clean rose cut, you’ll need to look at at least VS2, more likely VS1+. White and clear inclusions will be better hidden. However, almost anything in the center of the stone, even if white, will be visible due to a rose’s unique flat bottom. So, make sure to look at your stone from all angles!
Rose Cut History
How old are rose cut diamonds?
The Beau Sancy, one of the world’s oldest diamonds, was born in the 1500s and is a double rose! That makes rose cuts incredibly historic. Rose and mogul cut diamonds were the first diamond cuts because back then, diamond cutters assumed the more facets a diamond had, the more brilliant it would be. However, they did not quite understand the concept of refraction (how diamonds reflect and bend light). So, they didn’t bother faceting an angled bottom. Today, rose cuts are used for their romance and antique intrigue!
When did they stop making rose cut diamonds?
In the early 1900s, once diamond cutters learned angled bottoms would make diamonds sparkle more. The advent of electricity made the difference between rose cut shimmer and round brilliant sparkle even more apparent. So, as technology advanced, rose cuts became less popular. However, all fashion is cyclical – and rose cuts came back with a love of all things vintage! Modern rose cuts are used in dreamy, romantic jewelry, and are now faceted in a ton of different shapes!
Rose accent diamonds
Rose Cut Cost
How much is a 1 carat rose cut diamond worth?
Do Amore offers a beautiful 7mm (around 1ct) round natural rose cut diamond (white and eye clean!) for $7,750. However, diamonds vary greatly in price depending upon their specific 4Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight) as well as diamond origin (lab or natural)! Even small differences can make a pretty significant difference in price. So, if you’re open to lab created, you can save a significant amount of money! Opting for warmer colors can save money, too.
Are rose cut diamonds more expensive?
Because you need a higher clarity in rose cut vs round brilliant, you may technically pay a bit more “per carat” for a 1ct rose – but it will look more like a 1.25-1.5ct! And, when comparing price in terms of diameter, you will pay less! For example, a 6.5mm round brilliant (~1.00ct) will be much more expensive than a 6.5mm rose cut (~.75ct). So, this means by choosing a rose cut, you can actually get the look of a 1.5ct for less!
Are rose cut diamonds worth it?
Yes! Rose cuts have a unique glamour and romance that no other cut offers. And as a historic diamond cut – they are rich in tradition and style. Finally, by choosing a rose cut, you get a bigger look for your dollar. So, if the rose cut look intrigues you, they are very worth the investment!
Can you help me find the perfect rose cut?
Of course! Send me a note here, or drop us an email at care@doamore.com! I’d be happy to go over rose cut options with you, and help you design your unique rose cut engagement ring!
