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Updated Mar 06, 202521 Round-Cut Engagement Rings That Will Never Go Out of Style
This classic ring style has a timeless appeal you'll cherish forever.
Timeless, sophisticated, versatile—we could go on and on about what makes round-cut engagement rings the most popular and purchased ring style. Thanks to its 58 facets cut to reflect maximum light, this classic diamond shape also has megawatt sparkle.
It's no wonder some of the most iconic sparklers are round-cut engagement rings. While Julia Stiles and Mila Kunis rock simple round-cut diamonds on delicate bands, fellow actresses Olivia Wilde and Natalie Portman said "yes" to more glamorous halo settings. And that's the beauty of this super versatile diamond—they work in modern and minimalistic settings as well as more elaborate ones.
Read on for a guide to round-cut engagement rings, plus editor-approved picks you can shop right now.
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What Is a Round-Cut Engagement Ring?
Round-cut diamonds have a uniform and symmetrical shape made up of 58 facets, which qualifies them as a brilliant cut. The traditional round brilliant cut stones were deliberately designed with 58 facets to give them their distinct sparkle. Simply put, no other diamond cut can compare with the brilliance of a round-cut diamond.
Round-cut diamonds account for about two-thirds of all diamonds sold, making them the most popular diamond shape on the market. While they are the most popular and widely available option on the market, they are also the most expensive. Why the hefty price tag? Demand and what is called rough wastage. Up to 38% of a stone is wasted when a diamond is cut into a round shape, making it the most expensive diamond shape to create.
What to Look For in a Round-Cut Engagement Ring
Before purchasing a round-cut diamond, pay attention to the the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat). The cut grade of a round diamond is very important, as it determines the stone's brilliance. You want a proportionally cut diamond that isn't too shallow or too deep. However, a round-cut diamond can easily conceal mild color variations or inclusions (read: internal flaws) because of its brilliance. So if you aren't obsessed with buying a colorless, flawless stone, you could get away with a really well-cut round diamond with slightly lower color and clarity grades—and save yourself some money in the process. Pro tip: If you're buying a loose stone, you can ask a GIA-certified expert to evaluate it before you have it set.
Why Choose a Round-Cut Engagement Ring?
For over 100 years, diamond cutters have been perfecting the process for cutting round diamonds. Thanks to their 58 facets, the brilliance of a round-cut diamond is unparalleled. So, if you're in the market for a center stone with megawatt shine, this is the diamond cut for you.
Another huge pro of round-cut diamonds is their versatility. They look chic in solitaire settings, in modern bezel settings or framed by glamorous diamond halos. They also posses a timeless appeal that pairs well with any type of precious metal.
Round-Cut Engagement Rings You Can Buy Now
Feeling a round-cut diamond engagement ring right now? Shop some of our favorites, below.
Verlas Embellished Iconic Round Halo Ring
For maximum bling, opt for an exquisite halo engagement ring like this one. The round center stone is framed by a halo of pavé diamonds that continue onto the shoulders and shank of the 14K white gold band.
Mejuri Round-Cut Ring
How gorgeous is this unique three-stone engagement ring? The asymmetrical gem arrangement features a prong-set peach-hued morganite and a duo of round brilliant cut diamonds. It's a stunning design cast in 14K yellow gold with plenty of character.
Vrai The Signature Bezel Ring
A sleek polished bezel setting cast in 14K rose gold holds a round-cut diamond for a no-fuss modern look. Pair it with a clean metal wedding band for a minimalist effect.
Jenny Wu Lace Clio Diamond Ring
A classic solitaire ring with a literal twist. Here, the round-cut center stone is accentuated with a twisted split shank that can be customized with pavé diamonds for extra bling.
Kwiat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
You can't go wrong with a classic ring setting. This round-cut solitaire diamond engagement ring setting is timeless—and absolutely dazzling.
Tiffany & Co. Wave Three-Row Diamond Ring
Calling all mermaids. The beauty of ocean waves inspired this nontraditional diamond engagement ring with a bezel-set round diamond set in 18K yellow gold.
Catbird Ruby Wings Ring
An engagement ring as unique as your love story. This two-tone sparkler's striking design features rubies flanking an antique, round-cut GIA-certified European-cut diamond, all set in a one-of-a-kind platinum wing-inspired setting.
Gemvara Headlight Ring
Sometimes less is more. This single round diamond sits flush in a modern, polished 18K yellow gold band for an understated effect.
Kwiat Engagement Ring With a Round Diamond and Side Stones
Two words: sleek and chic. Tapered baguette side stones create a gorgeous contrast with a round brilliant center stone.
Vrai The Duet Ring
It doesn't get more fashion-forward than an X-shaped ring setting. Go plain or add pavé details for an extra-glam touch.
Charles & Colvard Round Caydia Lab Grown Diamond Classic Three Stone Engagement Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Symbolizing your past, present and future, this three-stone engagement ring features three lab-created diamonds with a total carat weight of 2 ctw. A sleek, polished rose gold setting adds whimsy to this timeless design.
Brilliant Earth Winding Ivy Diamond Engagement Ring
An ethereal band in yellow gold is set with marquise diamonds for a nature-inspired look. However, the main event is an exquisite prong-set round-cut diamond (of course).
Tiffany & Co. Soleste Ring
What's better than one halo? Two. A double halo of round diamonds highlights a stunning round aquamarine gemstone perfect for a March-born nearlywed.
Pamela Love Freya Ring
A braided motif symbolizing the interconnectivity of two lives gives extra-special meaning to this antique-inspired engagement ring. An ethically-mined round-cut diamond sits in the center of this unique sparkler.
Blue Nile Cushion Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Enjoy the sophistication of a cushion-cut diamond ring setting and the striking brilliance of a round center stone with this glamorous engagement ring. It features a cushion-shaped diamond halo surrounding a round-cut diamond.
Kwiat Engagement Ring With a Round Diamond and Pavé
Let your gemstone take center stage in this glamorous cathedral engagement ring setting accentuated by pavé diamonds. A hidden pavé halo holds your diamond above the bridge, ensuring your bauble looks picture-perfect from all angles.
Barkev's Open Shank Ring
Bring on the bling. This marquise halo wedding set features an engagement ring with a prong-set round center encircled with diamond melees plus a matching wedding band.
Verlas My Encompassing Round Ring
This dainty sparkler's 14K white gold shoulders embrace the round-cut diamond for a unique and very romantic look. Personalize this solitaire engagement ring with a special engraving.
Gemvara Double-Edged Ring
A round-cut moissanite floats in between the jagged shoulders of this architectural wedding band. Bonus: This ring is available in various precious metals and gemstones.
Arielle 1.57ct Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
This 18K yellow gold solitaire engagement ring comes with plenty of beautiful antique-inspired accents for the vintage lover. The center stone, a European-cut round diamond, is set in an etched bezel complemented by sparkly pavés on the tapered shoulders.
Brilliant Earth Octavia Ring
Fans of the Roaring '20s aesthetic, this one's for you. Baguette and round accent stones create the geometric halo of this Art Deco-inspired round-cut engagement ring.
