Rose Cut Diamonds: Are They Worth It? (Detailed Answers)

Rose-cut diamonds showcase an incredible vintage-style elegance that is distinctive in design and remarkable in appearance. 🌹Rose-cut diamonds provide an exciting, romantic alternative to the classic round brilliant cut, multi-faceted cuts, step cuts, radiant cuts, and other contemporary designer cuts, such as Asscher.

But are rose-cut diamonds worth the investment? Because rose-cut diamonds make such a style statement with their unique shape and facets,  selecting a rose-cut diamond really says something about your personality. Antique rose-cut diamond rings and rose-cut diamond earrings exude an Old World elegance, reminiscent of a time when stonecutters painstakingly cut facets on these hard-to-find stones, meanwhile still retaining the diamond’s raw-like, earthy appeal.

📝This article will cover all the intriguing facts about rose-cut diamonds, including a basic educational guide on this fascinating stone cut that has been around since the 16^th century, during the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Back to basics: What is a rose cut diamond?

Rose-cut diamonds have been around for hundreds of years, harkening back to a time of simplistic technology fueled by a passionate need to create eclectic, one-of-a-kind diamonds and detailed jewelry designs.

Rose-cut diamonds are one of the oldest cuts, an antique cut diamond distinctive with its striking dome-shaped top. Rose-cut gets its name from the facets along the dome-shaped top of the stone resembling gorgeous rose petals. This dome-shaped top features a grid-like pattern, giving the diamond a warm, inviting glow. The rose-cut facets are triangular and appear as if they are pointing toward the edge of the diamond resembling a rose petal from its stem.

Rose-cut diamonds come in different varieties, perfect for those who enjoy a more faceted cut that lends a modern touch to this antique cut, bringing out the fire of the diamond.

Origins & history of rose cut diamonds

Diamonds and diamond cutting hold a rich, exciting history. From using raw diamonds straight from the earth to modern cuts, diamonds have been around for hundreds of years, always prized for their unparalleled beauty.

The first diamonds were found in India and were kept as loose, unpolished stones, appreciated for their wondrous natural beauty. It wasn’t until the 11^th century when diamonds were first placed into jewelry designs. These diamonds were used in their raw, earthy uncut form.

The 14^th century showed the initial emergence of diamond technology, marking the first attempts of cutting diamonds for jewelry.

Diamonds' famous durability and hardness were discovered in the 15^th century! This was when diamond cutters started cutting diamonds with diamond dust.

Although the Mohs hardness scale wasn’t around yet (the scale that measures the hardness of different minerals), it was clear that diamonds have many spectacular qualities that set them apart from other stones.

Antique diamond cutting techniques

Because rose-cut diamonds were cut and fashioned by hand, they often display uneven symmetry, adding a special character to that unique stone.

In the 16^th century, tools were invented to cut diamonds. These tools were used for faceting, bruting, and cutting the diamond, creating different shapes with dimensions.

The table cut was an early cut introduced to the diamond cutting process. The table refers to the top surface cut of the diamond. The table may be flat, or it may contain facets depending on that particular cut.

Digging deep into rose cut diamonds: Comparisons with other antique cutting techniques

Rose-cut diamonds are truly unique and remarkable, ideally suited for those who love romantic, vintage styles. There are different and exciting antique diamond cutting techniques to select from when choosing an antique diamond engagement ring or antique diamond earrings.

Exploring these interesting diamond cutting techniques will increase your knowledge of the many fascinating ways diamonds look when they are fashioned into different shapes, perfect for showcasing your personality.

Rose cut vs. Old Mine cut and Old European cut diamonds

Rose-cut diamonds are grouped into the same category as Old Mine Cut and Old European cut diamonds because these antique diamond cutting techniques were some of the first ways of cutting diamonds. Old Mine cut diamonds and Old European cut diamonds were one of the first styles of brilliant-cut diamonds, or diamonds with several facets.

These are all vintage cuts, but they feature distinctive qualities that make them unique and special. They are all cut by hand and may appear asymmetrical with eye-visible imperfections, including uneven facets.

Antique diamond cutting techniques don’t have the same outcome shape as modern diamonds. For example, rose-cut diamonds do not have the same shape as modern cut diamonds. Rose-cut diamonds do not have a pavilion, which is the lower part of the diamond that tapers into the culet or the point on the bottom of the stone. Pavilion gives the stone its depth, which is measured when the stone has its caratage taken. Sometimes the stone may have a deeper pavilion when compared to the diameter of the table, cut unevenly to utilize the stone’s original size. This means the rose-cut diamond will carry the majority of its carat weight along the top and the girdle, which is the perimeter space around the diamond. The girdle can be faceted or buffed, depending on the stone.

Here are some comparisons to rose cut and brilliant cuts, including features and benefits:

• TABLE: As mentioned above, the table refers to the top surface cut of the diamond. The rose-cut diamond has a faceted top with triangular-shaped facets. Both Old Mine cut and Old European cut have small round flat tables and deep pavilions. This may make the Old Mine cut and Old European cut diamond appear as a smaller caratage than it is.
• PROPORTIONS: Both Old Mine cut and Old European cuts have steep pavilions. As mentioned earlier, a pavilion is the body of the diamond or the lower half. The rose cut has little to no pavilion.
• SHAPE: The Old Mine cut is also known for its more modern name, cushion cut. Cushion cut stones appear as a cut square with round edges, giving it a shield-like or pillow appearance without pointed corners like a princess cut. Rose-cut diamonds can be fashioned into round, marquise, oval, cushion, or pear shapes finished with their trademark triangular facets along the top.
• SIZE: Rose-cut diamonds will have the appearance of larger carat-sized stones because of their flat shapes when compared to the tables and pavilions of old European cut and Old Mine cut diamonds.
• BRILLIANCE AND FIRE: Diamonds can be described in different ways when analyzing cut quality. These terms used help describe the quality of the cut of the diamond and in the interaction of light. The quality of the cut is affected by the proportions of the diamond cut. Old Mine cuts and Old European cuts offer more fire and brilliance than the rose cut diamond because they have more facets but are less brilliant than modern-day multi-faceted cuts, such as Asscher and round brilliant. The earliest rose cuts featured between three to six facets onto a crystal tip with a flat bottom. Over time, the number of facets on rose-cut diamonds increased as diamond-cutting evolved.

Are rose cut diamonds popular in fashion?

Embrace the look of limitless elegance with the rose-cut diamond, a sharp contrast to modern-day cut diamonds and perfect for those who love a romantic antique style.

Since rose-cut diamonds are seeing a resurgence in popularity, more design varieties are on the market to choose from, set into artistic ideas using modern and classic concepts. Independent jewelers have started to utilize rose-cut diamonds more frequently because of the surge in vintage and antique-style engagement rings.🍹

Rose-cut diamond engagement rings, cushion-cut diamond engagement rings, and old vintage cut diamond jewelry are popular among celebrities, who always thrive to have the latest styles, start trends, frequently featured in magazines and the red carpet.

Jennifer Aniston was seen with her incredible 10 carats rose-cut diamond solitaire engagement from her then-fiance Justin Theroux. Show-stopping and refined, this eye-popping engagement ring was anything but ordinary, unique with its renaissance quality and superior craftsmanship.

Actress Lily Collins accepted a bezel set rose cut diamond engagement ring from film director Charlie McDowell when he proposed in the New Mexico desert designed by Irene Neuwirth.

Camila Alves was gifted a rose-cut diamond engagement ring featuring smaller side stones by Matthew McConaughey.

What about the pricing of rose cut diamonds?

Pricing can vary on rose-cut diamonds, just like any other diamond cut. Rose-cut diamonds are available in different sizes and dimensions, making them perfect for your dream engagement rings or other jewelry mountings.

Generally, the pricing of any diamond is dependent on the 4Cs, the grading scale for white diamonds developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This 4Cs scale includes cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, and determines the quality and price of the diamond.

However, there is a new trend for diamonds that are heavily included, showing very eye-visible inclusions. These heavily included diamonds are marketed as “salt and pepper” diamonds and feature plumes of gray and black inclusions, giving them an earthy, salt and pepper look.😎 Rose-cut diamonds with inclusions add to the quaintness of these heavily included stones. Imaginative rose-cut diamonds with colorful inclusions set into fine metals give these designs a remarkable appearance, perfect for those that appreciate all forms the diamond exhibits.

Rose-cut diamonds are available in fancy colors. These colors included pink, green, and yellow, for example.

Rose-cut diamonds are also sold in melee size or very small stone sizes that are pave set and encrusted on the band or around the setting for accent stones. Rose-cut diamonds are also readily available in trillion cut, round cut, and oval cut shapes. The prices of rose-cut diamonds can change depending on the shape of the diamond.

Should you choose a rose cut diamond for your jewelry?

Choosing rose-cut diamond jewelry sets you apart from all other common styles of jewelry. With rose cuts enticing shapes and shimmering facets, these pretty stones are as common.

Rose cut diamonds vs. Round brilliant cut diamonds

There are several different things to consider when choosing between a rose-cut diamond and modern round brilliant cut diamonds.

Here are some advantages of rose-cut diamonds:

• VINTAGE APPEARANCE: Rose-cut diamonds have a vintage appearance, perfect for those who love a rustic style. If you seek an understated statement in style, consider a rose-cut diamond. Less flashy and brilliant, the rose-cut diamond will still get noticed because of its incredible beauty.
• PRICE: Rose cut is a lot less expensive than other modern cuts, such as the round brilliant cut, which is one of the most popular cuts. Other antique cuts are priced somewhere in between rose-cut and round brilliant-cut.
• APPEARS LARGER THAN THE ACTUAL CARATAGE: Rose cut diamonds have a flat shape, giving the appearance it may have more weight then it has. Perfect for those who love a statement look! Indulge in a larger rose-cut diamond for a more extravagant style without the steep price tag.⛳️
• RARITY: Rose cut diamonds are becoming more and more popular, but they are still a rarer selection for jewelry in comparison to modern cuts.
• LOW PROFILE SHAPE: Rose cut diamonds do not have pavilions (as mentioned previously) and do not need to be set as high up on the mounting. Their flat shape can be bezel set and lay flush into any setting, perfect for those who work with their hands or lead a busy lifestyle.

Disadvantages of rose cut diamonds

Here are some disadvantages for rose-cut diamonds to consider.

• IMPERFECTIONS AND UNEVENLY CUT: Part of the rose cut diamond’s charm is its asymmetry, imperfections in the cut, and unevenness along with the girdle. These imperfections add an antique quality to the diamonds. Near-perfect cut diamonds are hard to find for antique cuts, unlike modern cuts. This means the mounting will have to be professionally adjusted to hold the diamond properly.
• LESS BRILLIANT: Rose-cut diamonds do not display the same fire and brilliance as contemporary stone cuts. The multiple facets on modern cut stones add the incredible sparkling quality that diamonds exhibit.
• FEWER SETTING STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM: Shopping for rose cut diamonds is easy to do online, available on different sales platforms and jewelry websites. But there are fewer styles and settings to choose from when compared to other contemporary cuts.

In conclusion, rose-cut diamonds may be a good choice for some who love all things vintage. Modern brilliant cut diamonds would be the ideal selection for those like contemporary designs.😊

Helpful advice on buying a rose cut diamond

As stated previously, diamonds are generally graded using the GIA scale developed for white diamonds, the 4Cs. The 4Cs include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors determine the price of the diamond.

Determine which is most important to you. Do you mind if the diamond has inclusions? Rose-cut diamonds with inclusions are more apparent when they are viewed from the top. Are you looking for a larger caratage? The diamond weight can increase with a lower color grade, allowing you to find a price point you will enjoy.

Rose-cut diamonds are frequently set into prong and bezel settings. Select which one you prefer, including the noble metal of choice (gold, platinum, silver).

Mixing up rose cut diamonds & brilliant cut styles

Are you in love with the rose-cut diamond? Rose-cut diamonds can take center stage in a prong, bezel, or bezel-prong setting complemented by round brilliant cut diamonds in a dazzling halo cluster or down the sides of the band. While the romance of a rose-cut diamond will always be evident, the presence of modern brilliant cuts exudes a decadent multi-diamond look for your engagement ring.

The uplifting presence of sparkling fire from the modern faceted diamond cuts will accentuate the beauty of the less brilliant rose cut. The rose-cut diamond will give the brilliant-cut diamonds a tantalizing look unlike any other, filled with vintage elegance and shine.

💃🏻A modern and vintage cut will pair together nicely, balancing out their distinctive attributes in your chosen setting.