Not all round diamonds are alike – the word “round” refers to a diamond’s silhouette. Throughout history, cutters have been cutting round-shaped diamonds in a variety of faceting patterns, and even to this day, there is a lot of room for experimentation.

If you want your engagement ring to look both classic and unique, getting a non Round Brilliant round-shaped VRAI created diamond is a way to set your ring apart from the others. VRAI’s Cut for You process currently offers five unique round diamond shapes.

What is a Round Diamond?

Just saying “Round” diamond indicates a diamond with a round silhouette. The most popular Round diamond shape is the Round Brilliant diamond, developed by Belgian diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919. In his book Diamond Design, he outlined the ideal mathematical proportions of the Round Brilliant diamond: 100% diameter, 53% table, 43.1% pavilion and 16.2% crown. The round brilliant consists of 58 facets (57 in the ones that don’t have a culet).

Diamond Cut vs Diamond Shape: Notice the Difference

“Shape” and “Cut” are used interchangeably in everyday parlance. Cut technically refers to the type of faceting, and is mostly divided into step-cut (facets parallel to the outline) and brilliant cut (triangular and kite-shaped facets). A diamond’s cut is what mostly determines its fire, brightness, and scintillation. The diamond shape comprises its cut and its silhouette.

A diamond cut refers to a diamond's facets and is best seen up close. A Diamond shape is the diamond’s physical, geometric form. It’s usually the most distinguishable feature of a diamond, a symbol of personality and self-expression.

Diamond shapes are split into two categories: round diamonds and fancy-shaped diamonds. The diamond shape is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a diamond, as it will greatly determine the appearance, meaning, and value of a diamond.

Do All Round Diamonds Feature Brilliant Faceting?

Not all round diamonds are Round Brilliant diamonds. As jewelers and jewelry brands push for exclusivity, they launch in-house diamond shapes that push and redefine the limits of what we associate with standard and classic diamond shapes. VRAI’s Cut for You process, for instance, places a great emphasis on experimenting with round geometric forms, and creates a series of in-house cuts that create more dynamic scintillation patterns.

Harmonia Diamond

The Harmonia diamond is a VRAI in-house cut that takes inspiration from the Round Brilliant diamond, but with the addition of distinctive faceting on top and bottom. In addition, the bottom halves are polished lower and the top crown facets have a trapezoidal, almost step-like shape, to give this diamond a distinctive and elegant brilliance.

“The Harmonia is very unique by having 11 sides instead of a round girdle, and having 11 pavilion mains instead of the typical 8 pavilion mains you would see in a round brilliant,” says Queena Chang, VRAI’s Chief Diamond Expert and a GIA Graduate Gemologist.

Top 3 Harmonia Cut Engagement Ring Styles

When it comes to solitaires, the Knife Edge combines curves and edges just like the Harmonia diamond. The Graduated Band plays on the ethereal elegance of the Harmonia diamond, while a Hidden Halo will cleverly complement the distinctive faceting of the Harmonia’s crown.

Octavia Diamond

“The Octavia has an octagonal outline with a similar brilliance to the Harmonia,” says Queena Chang. “I would recommend the Octavia for clients that would like a round with a more distinct outline to set it apart from typical rounds.”

Top 3 Octavia Engagement Ring Styles

Chang recommends the Halo paired with Octavia cut diamonds. “The rim of pavé follows the same octagonal outline but softens the edges just a touch to really highlight the shape,” she says. VRAI offers a variety of Halo engagement rings, from sleek to maximalist.

Passion Diamond

The Passion cut diamond is cut similar to the Round Brilliant, but with added faceting, which brings the total number of facets to 73. “The Passion has a very distinct faceting pattern that results in almost petal-like scintillation on the outer rim of the diamond,” explains Chang. “While it has less brilliance than the Harmonia, this faceting pattern creates a diamond with depth and character to it.”

Top 3 Passion Engagement Ring Styles

The Three Stone engagement ring amplifies the kaleidoscopic brilliance of the Passion diamond. The six-prong solitaire follows the curves of the Passion diamond and makes it look like a flower in full bloom, honoring its petal-like scintillation. A Pavé Dome ring elevates it, like a flower emerging from its stem.

Regulus Diamond

The Regulus diamond cut is an exclusive in-house cut similar to the Round, but cut with more facets. The crown and the table area are similar to a Round Brilliant. However, the pavilion has been modified with extra facets, both on halves and close to the culet. This creates a very distinctive light reflection. “The Regulus is a modern take on the Old European cut, with large pavilion facets to create a more subtle soft shine instead of the intense brilliance of the usual Round Brilliant,” says Chang.

Top 3 Regulus Engagement Ring Styles

Given the way the lower part of the pavilion reflects into the table, the Signature solitaire is an ideal setting for the Regulus diamond. The Five Stone Heirloom and its Art Deco design complements the faceting of the Regulus diamond. On that note, Chang also recommends the Three Stone ring with Baguette side stones to highlight the way the Regulus reinterprets the Old European cut.

Round Rose

The Round Rose cut diamond has a unique and subtle shimmer, best enjoyed under candlelight. Rose cut features a flat bottom with a dome-shaped crown reaching an apex formed by 3 facets or more. Rose cuts are named as such because they resemble the shape of a rose bud. The rose pattern can vary in complexity; simple Rose cut diamond shapes can have as few as three facets, while others may have as many as 24.

Top 3 Round Rose Engagement Ring Styles

The Signature is a natural fit for a Round Rose cut, as the shape naturally accommodates the Signature’s low setting. The Bezel elegantly frames the equilibrium of geometry and curves of a Round rose cut, while the Halo will immediately add brilliance and create the visual illusion of a rose.

Shop Unique Round Diamonds With Our Experts

. If you want to see the way these unique round diamonds create distinctive light patterns, the best way to go is by asking our experts to compare and contrast them.