What is a Rose Cut Diamond?
Rose cut diamonds are a type of diamond cut that originated around the 16th Century. Rose cut diamonds were inspired by the spiral of petals in a rose bud. Instead of a tight sparkle like a modern round brilliant cut diamond, rose cut diamonds are more known for a sensual shimmer and luster. Rose cut diamonds are great because they look much larger per carat than brilliant or step cut diamonds.
ROSE CUT DIAMOND HISTORY
Rose cut diamonds were invented in the 1400s and made popular in the Georgian Era (the 1700s). Rose cut diamonds have remerged as an ethereal, antique-inspired alternative to more traditional diamond cuts like brilliant cuts. They were one of the first cuts of diamonds, cut by hand by skilled diamond cutters to optimize sparkle in candlelight as they were made before electricity was invented.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A ROSE CUT DIAMOND
Rose cut diamonds have a domed top and a flat base. And much like the sprawling petals of a fully bloomed rose, the peaked top of a rose diamond is covered in distinctive triangle facets.
ROSE CUT DIAMONDS VS. BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS
Brilliant cut diamonds are what you commonly see in most jewelry showrooms – they’re incredibly sparkly, light-reflecting, and fairly consistent in terms of how they’re cut.
Rose cut diamonds on the other hand, are much less common, with more variety, and are more luminous than sparkly. The main differences you’ll find between rose cuts vs brilliant cuts :
NUMBER OF FACETS ON A ROSE CUT DIAMOND
Brilliant cut diamonds, cut to maximize ‘brilliance’ (white light reflection aka sparkle in modern lightening conditions), are universally created with 57 to 58 facets. The rose diamond on the other hand, came before electricity and was made to sparkle under candlelight.
To achieve this, they have more variation between cuts and can contain anywhere from 3 to 24 facets.
Rose cut diamonds have a Flat Bottom vs Peaked Bottom
Traditional brilliant diamonds are cut for maximum sparkle – the peaked bottom is designed to reflect captured light back towards the spectator for a blinding sparkle. In contrast, a rose diamond is flat on the bottom, allowing light to move through the stone, resulting in a more transparent glow and subtle shine.
Without the pointed pavilion of traditional brilliant diamonds, rose cut diamonds sit closer to the skin than their taller counterparts.
See our blog on ‘Cut: Our Favorite of the 4 Cs’ for more on brilliant cuts!
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT A ROSE CUT DIAMOND
ROSE CUT DIAMONDS LOOK LARGER
Contrary to popular belief, the ‘carat’ of a diamond refers to its weight, not its size. So, since rose cut diamonds have eliminated the pointed bottom section, all their carat weight shows on the top face - hello clever diamond cutting. The result: a larger looking diamond.
What this means: if you put a 1.00 carat rose diamond beside a 1.00 carat brilliant cut diamond, the rose cut diamond would appear larger despite being the same carat weight.
ARE ROSE CUT DIAMONDS MORE EXPENSIVE?
Rose cut diamonds are cheaper per carat than brilliant cut diamonds. Because more of their carat weight is on top, you get more visible diamond for your dollar. Example: a 1.00 carat brilliant cut diamond measures 6.5 mm from the top view, whereas a 1.00 carat rose cut diamond measures approximately 7.5 mm.
ROSE CUT DIAMONDS HAVE MORE SHAPE VARIATION
Because of their flat base, the rose diamond cut can be made into countless different shapes - round, oval, pear, kite, hexagon, square, and rounded square. And because of their customizable facet arrangements, rose diamonds can also be cut into random and irregular shapes.
ROSE CUT DIAMONDS ARE NOTICEABLY UNIQUE
While brilliant cut diamonds are undeniably stunning in their sparkle, rose cut diamonds are truly eye-catching in their uniqueness. Though they’re gaining popularity, rose cuts are still relatively rare as compared to brilliant cut diamonds.
ROSE CUT DIAMONDS HAVE LUSTER OVER SPARKLE
In contrast to the brilliant cut’s dazzling sparkle, rose cut diamonds exude a more subtle, sultry luster. They feel ethereal, dreamy, and sophisticatedly subtle.
Cut vs Shape in Rose Cut Diamonds
While many people use these terms interchangeably, ‘cut’ and ‘shape’ mean very different things! Diamond shape refers to the stone outline (rectangular, round, pear-shaped) whereas cut relates to less obvious elements like proportion, facets, and polish.
So, even though diamond shapes have names like princess cut, emerald cut, round cut, and pear cut, those names are still referring to diamond shapes, not diamond cut. Not confusing at all, right!
Rose cut diamonds are known for their shape versatility – you can rose cuts in round, oval, pear, kite, hexagon, square, and rounded square shapes.
Color & Clarity in Rose Cut Diamonds
‘Color’ refers to how white or colorless a diamond appears. It’s graded from D (most colorless) to Z (noticeable brown or yellow tint) by the GIA.
Whereas brilliant diamonds look best in higher color grades, rose cut diamonds are more versatile when it comes to color. If there was a ‘C’ to compromise on with rose cuts, color is it. With their domed top and subtle shine, this cut complements warmer tones and alternative colors beautifully. Grey, champagne, opaque white, salt & pepper, black, and yellow tones just add to this cut’s otherworldly antique appeal.
And of course if you love a bright white diamond, rose cuts are tantalizingly transparent and gorgeously icy.
Rose cuts also goes great with fancy colored diamonds (blue, pink, red, yellow, green diamonds). The cut highlights the diamond’s color without the distraction of intense light reflection that comes with a brilliant cut diamond.
Clarity of Rose Cut Diamonds
‘Clarity’ refers to the level of blemishes or inclusions in the diamond. The GIA rates diamond clarity from FL (flawless) to I3 (noticeable inclusions to the naked eye).
Clarity is important to consider when it comes to rose cut diamonds. Inclusions and blemishes are very noticeable because of the transparency, high dome, and larger flatter facets of these stones – you can usually see all the way through.
So, if you’re looking for a totally transparent rose cut diamond, definitely invest in a higher clarity grade. However, if you love the aesthetic of vintage and antique jewelry (we’re with you!), then inclusions and imperfections just bring more character and personality to your stone.
In the end, it all comes down to your own personal style and which stones stir up your soul!
rose cut diamond ring
YOUR ROSE CUT DIAMOND QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A ROSE CUT AND DOUBLE CUT DIAMOND?
A Double Cut is a variety of taller version of a traditional rose cut diamond with more facets.
WHEN DID THEY STOP USING ROSE CUT DIAMONDS?
Once the brilliant cut was invented in the 1919, rose cut diamonds slowly lost popularity to its blindingly sparkly cousin. Since the turn of the century however, they've been making a comeback as diamond-lovers rediscover their candlelit sparkle and domed magic.
IS ROSE CUT DIAMOND RARE?
Yes! Only about 1 out of every 1000 diamond is a rose cut - making it a deliciously rare and unique choice.
Is a rose cut diamond cheaper?
Rose cut diamonds are cheaper per carat than brilliant cut diamonds AND they look larger from the top view than brilliant cut diamonds. Win-win all around.
Are rose cut diamonds dull?
Rose cut diamonds still sparkle, however it's more of a transparent glows vs the disco ball sparkle of a brilliant cut diamond. Dirt will also show through more easily since they're transparent so they can look more obviously dull when dirt gets under the setting. Your best bet: keep your rose cut diamond squeaky clean by removing it before handwashing, moisturizing, and showering to avoid the buildup under the diamond.
Why do people like rose cut diamonds?
As stones that were originally made to sparkle by candelight, rose cut diamonds are a romantic, ethereal, stone that feels antique yet uniquely modern. They look larger than their brilliant cousins and cost less - if you love vintage vibes and standing apart from the crowd, you may love a rose cut diamond.
What is the difference between faceted and rose cut?
A rose cut has fewer (and bigger) facets than a brilliant cut diamond. A rose cut diamond can have anywhere from 3 to 24 facets whereas a brilliant cut diamond usually has 57-58 facets.
DO ROSE CUT DIAMONDS WORK WELL IN ENGAGEMENT RINGS?
Yes! Rose cut diamonds are a fabulous option for a non traditional engagement ring and we love working with them at Gem Breakfast.
They combine the durability of a diamond with the low profile appeal and sexy subtle sparkle - a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a rose cut engagement ring. Especially if you like low profile engagement rings - rose cuts are made for that! And they're especially magical with salt and pepper diamonds.
We have made many rose cut engagement rings and treat-yourself rings at Gem Breakfast. If you are looking to make your own rose cut diamond engagement ring or treat-yourself ring, browse our beautiful buffet of loose rose cut diamonds at the link below!
Shop our full seletion of loose rose cut diamondshere and shop all our favorite unique diamonds from Misfit Diamonds here!
Find your rose cut diamond ring here and shop our full buffet of OOAK diamond and gemstone rings here
rose cut diamond ring