At first glance, the term “rose cut diamonds” may suggest a very different look. Considering other diamond cuts, such as round cut, square cut, pear-shaped diamond, and oval-shaped diamond, one may assume that “rose cut” may look like a very intricate flower-shaped stone.
In reality, rose cut diamonds feature a fairly unique shape, one that traces back to a more historical context. If you want a more unique look for your diamond rings, it might be nice to consider this new style that has old touches.
What is a Rosebud Cut Diamond?
The name may not ring the loudest bell even for some jewelry enthusiasts. This isn’t surprising, considering the rose cut diamonds’ history. Despite the very dainty and modern name, the rose cut has been around since the 16th century. During that time, many jewelry wearers wanted the ornate style of diamond rings. They belong to the antique-cut diamonds, which have markedly different features compared to the modern cuts of today.
First, on the surface, the rose diamond looks like a round-cut diamond. But a glaring feature of rose cut diamonds is its flat back. Unlike modern diamond cuts, there’s nothing below the girdle. One of the first questions related to this may be the setting: what kind of setting would work with this?
What’s Unique About the Rose Cut Diamond?
On the diamond face, the facets alone present a different shape. From the side, it’s easy to see the slight peak from the many triangular facets on the diamond face. Some may say that the rose cut diamond serves as a mirror image of the round cut diamond, which has a flat surface and pointed culet at the bottom.
The unique shape and surface feature harks back to its creation. Most rose cut diamonds come from a line of antique diamonds, which have been cut by hand. Since antique diamonds used older technology for cutting diamonds, the cuts are simpler compared to modern diamonds.
But that’s not to say that the faceted surface is nowhere near complex. Rose cut diamonds are quite an advanced technique for its time. In fact, it’s the earliest diamond cut style to feature facets.
Why is it Called The Rose Cut Diamond?
If one considers the name and the look of the rose cut diamond, something would seem amiss. Where exactly is the rose shape here? Because the facets on the surface triangulate into a slight peak, this gives the impression of looking straight down at a rose. The peak looks like the central bud, while the facets resemble a rose’s petals.
When did they stop making rose cut diamonds?
The rose cut diamond seems to be ready for a comeback. With more jewelry enthusiasts looking for more styles, this cut looks like the perfect standout stone shape. But why did it leave the jewelry scene to begin with?
It took off during the Georgian and Victorian eras, periods where opulence and ornateness seemed to dominate. Rose cut diamonds are notorious for the transparent look. It can also feature as few as three facets, and no facets on its underside at all. This combination takes away the fiery brilliance typically seen in most diamonds today.
This seemed to be the rose cut diamond’s biggest pitfall. The 20th century brought in an influx of preference for brilliance in diamonds above all else. The rose cut stone’s unique transparent feature seemed too muted for modern taste. In fact, as an antique hand-cut gemstone, the rose cut diamond became the base for other more brilliantly cut, albeit smaller diamonds.
Do they still make rose cut diamonds?
Nowadays, the unique style of the rose cut diamond is still available on antique rings. You may see them on heirloom pieces. Some independent makers may feature the rose cut on other softer gems, like the rose quartz, which match the vibe and color of the stone perfectly.
Colored gemstones, especially of the lighter or warmer hues, like pinks, golds, and oranges, can benefit from a rose cut look. Using this style for handmade artisanal rings can be another avenue for the rose cut look to enjoy a new rise to favor in modern times.
Is a Rose Diamond a Real Diamond?
Even though the rose cut diamond may seem like a dream diamond from long ago, it still exists to this day. Granted, there may be fewer units of surviving rose cut diamonds. But as demand rises, the style can easily make a comeback.
One shouldn’t doubt the real value of a rose cut diamond. It exists, though in smaller numbers. Modern cutting tools may be more precise in creating the bigger facets of the stone. Some handmade brands may also explore their own ways of recreating the rose cut diamond with a more modern twist. So if you ask “is rose cut diamond real diamond?”—the answer is a definite yes.
Benefits of a Rose Cut Diamond
Has the rose cut diamond piqued your interest? Many individuals who want something new in their jewelry collection think the same thing. If you still need a little nudging to get your own rose cut gemstone ring, here are a few things to expect for that first rose cut diamond ring—and you won’t be disappointed!
A larger appearance
Many diamond cuts tend to boast giving a larger appearance to the gemstone. Most elongated diamond cuts tend to look larger, including the oval cut, the pear cut, and even the marquise cut diamonds.
Yet one thing they all have in common is that they share the faceted pavilion and culet at the bottom. When one considers the overall setting of the ring, anything beneath the girdle can technically be hidden from sight. So a rose cut diamond can have more carat devoted to the diamond face, rather than hidden beneath for more brilliance. This gives you a bigger diamond surface to work with.
Unique cut, countless shapes
What floats the rose cut diamond above all else is its unique faceting. Some might see this as a disadvantage. With such large facets, it may make inclusions even more apparent in a clear diamond. This is where the size and color can make a difference.
If you feel that a very clear diamond with minimal inclusions is beyond your budget, go for colored gemstones instead. A lot of precious stones can be cut in the same fashion as the rose cut without having to showcase too many inclusions. What’s more, the color can mask the inclusions, and a less brilliant sparkle works well with certain gemstones.
When it comes to shapes, the rose cut diamond isn’t limited to the round shape either. The cut alludes to the unique faceting rather than the shape of the diamond. Some antique rose cut diamond rings even have asymmetrical shapes, giving it a more distinctive feel.
Durable with the right setting
The unique flat back of the rose cut diamond already gives it a low profile. For most diamonds, a low profile from the setting means fewer chances of getting snagged on clothing or other edges. This adds to the cut’s durability.
That said, this also means it can match specific or modified settings. For example, a prong setting still works as long as it features a flat surface that’s close to the band. Additionally, you can allude to the antique vibe of the rose cut diamond. An intricate halo setting can create a fancier and more romantic look with the rose cut diamond as the center stone. Adding a pave design to the band also creates another avenue for the ring to sparkle.
A warmer, cleaner finish
For those who don’t want to stick with clear diamonds, the rose cut may be a great choice for a colored rose cut engagement ring. Colored gemstones, like the rose quartz, amethyst, aquamarine, and peridot all feature beautiful colors that would shine with the rose cut.
The warmer tones would do well when matched with warmer metal tones like gold and rose gold. Cool-toned gemstones can be paired with cooler metals like silver, platinum, and white gold.
Clean and minimal finish
As much as brilliant and sparkly diamonds tend to be attractive to the eye, some prefer a different look. The muted sparkle of rose cut diamonds gives the ring a vintage vibe. A soft sparkle provides a big contrast to smaller, sparkling stones. A pave finish gives a spread out sparkle, as you’ll find out in this Smyth Jewelers review. More intricate settings, such as a vine-like halo design lined with smaller stones can create truly bespoke rose-like rings.
Rose Cut Diamonds For Engagement Rings
With the rise in interest, it won’t be long until rose cut diamond rings become a new fad. With its unconventional sparkle, durable setup, and dynamic design, more designers may look forward to creating engagement rings of this design.
Best of all, if you want to have a hand in the overall design through a bespoke ring, a rose cut diamond can perfectly go with a specific shape you want.
Where to start with pricing
Price incorporates a lot of details, and it may be hard to pinpoint when your main focus is the diamond stone’s cut. Still, it may be good to note that you may find yourself well within budget if you go for more affordable colored stones when computing a rose cut diamond price.
Invest in quality colored gemstones, and look for a jeweler who can create ornate settings. If you have budget to spare, choose investing in smaller, sparkling gemstones. These can either line your chosen band or go for the antique look with a flanked diamond finish or a unique design of your choice, just like the one in this Jared review.
What To Look For: That Perfect Rose Cut
Just like when you’re choosing that perfect diamond, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rose cut gemstone. If it’s a balance between a good budget and a good gemstone, at the very least keep these three aspects in mind when you’re shopping.
Choose a stone with facet symmetry
Rarity may be the name of the game for rose cut diamonds. But if you have some choices, always choose symmetry, particularly in facets. Unless your stone is completely asymmetrical, try to find a rose cut diamond with a symmetrical appearance. Settings can only help so much in hiding any asymmetry, so try making this a priority.
To go for a true rose cut in a time of modern diamond cuts, check for a row-style layout of the facets. Many diamonds tend to have a pie shape in the middle of the diamond face. Experts note that this is not a real rose cut. Part of this style’s charm is its artisanal finish, and even the stone’s faceting needs to be done right.
Go for a low dome
Unlike other modern diamonds, rose cut diamonds have fewer concerns with the elevation of the stone from the ring finger. Without the cullet and pavilion, the diamond can be set on a flat back setting. However, its unique feature, the pointed dome, can be a vulnerable point.
While the peak is not as sharp as one would imagine, it can be exposed if you choose a diamond with a high dome. Jewelry experts suggest going with a low dome instead. A lower dome means the stone will be more see-through, and thus a possible magnifier for inclusions.
Still, this protects the stone from chances of chipping. If you still want an elevated appearance, opt for a middle height matched with a more protective setting, like a bezel style, to maintain durability.
Clear over color: For clear diamonds
If you still want the classic clear diamonds, prioritize clarity over color. Rose cut diamonds are weak against inclusions—you may be better off finding a clear diamond with fewer inclusions than a colorless diamond. After all, half of the beauty of the rose cut diamond lies in the setting. Your metal of choice can affect the stone’s color anyway, so invest in making your rose cut diamond as inclusion-free as possible.
Preparing for a wedding? Read “How To Be A Shining Bride: Pre-Wedding Wellness Tips” to properly care for you and your beau’s health.
