Definitive Guide to the Rose Cut Diamond
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
The rose cut diamond is a stunning vintage shape, giving jewelry a luxurious and distinctive look. Its flat base and domed, faceted top create a captivating glow that's unlike any modern cut. But what is a rose cut, and how does it affect a diamond’s appearance? Our definitive guide to the rose cut diamond will answer all your questions about this vintage look.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- About The Rose Cut Diamond
- Rose Cut History
- Eras
- Buying a Rose Cut Diamond
- Rose Cut Care
- Choosing A Rose Cut Diamond Ring
About the Rose Cut Diamond
Rose cut diamonds and gemstones are easily identified by several features. These stones lack a pavilion – the pointed underside familiar on other diamond shapes. Instead, the rose cut has a flat back, which maximizes the look of the stone’s carat weight, since no extra mass is hidden underneath the stone.
This diamond cut has far fewer facets than modern lapidary cuts. A rose cut diamond may have as few as three facets or as many as 24, in contrast to modern round brilliant cuts, which may have 50+ facets. A rose cut’s facets are arranged in a dome shape without the flat-topped table characteristic of modern stone shapes. This gives the diamond a softer, rounded shape with wistful, romantic appeal, creating the illusion of a slightly opened rose bud — the appearance that gave this cut its florally-inspired name.
Because rose cut diamonds have fewer facets, each facet is usually larger than expected and allows easier viewing into the stone, as if looking through clear glass. This vintage cut exhibits less fire and brilliance than modern diamonds, and internal flaws or inclusions may be more visible. A carefully cut rose shape, however, has an understated elegance and a rich, clear depth of view into the stone.
Rose Cut History
The rose cut diamond shape was first developed in the late 1400s and early 1500s, well before any machine assistance for more precise, symmetrical diamond cutting and polishing. This means a rose cut diamond’s facets may be somewhat uneven or imprecise, relying on the skill of the lapidary who shaped each stone. This gives these stones a truly one-of-a-kind appearance that demonstrates the artistry of each craftsman and sets each piece apart.
• Eras
Rose cut diamonds and gemstones were exceptionally popular during the Georgian (1750-1770) and Victorian (1840-1900) jewelry eras, and are often found in rings, pendants, brooches, pins, earrings, and other vintage pieces from those eras. While the cut briefly lost popularity when the brilliant cut was invented in the early 1900s, rose cuts did have a brief resurgence of style during the Art Deco (1920-1945) period when larger gems were favored for many pieces. Because the rose cut maximizes the stone’s carat weight appearance, it was an ideal choice for dramatic jewelry fashion in the 1920s and 1930s, including flashy cocktail rings.
Today, the simplicity of the cut appeals to anyone with a minimalist flair, and rose cuts are popular in vintage-inspired pieces and antique fashions showcased in such popular Hollywood shows as Downton Abbey, The Crown, Bridgerton, and Game of Thrones. The rose cut is a versatile stone, and while round shapes are the most common, this diamond cut can be applied to a variety of basic shapes, including cushion, oval, and pear diamond shapes. Rose cuts can also be found in more unusual shapes, such as hexagons and kite-shaped diamonds.
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Buying a Rose Cut Diamond
Understanding a rose cut can help you decide if the stone shape matches your style preferences. Because these stones are unusual in today’s market, it is best to work with a vintage retailer with experience in older, more unique diamond shapes to ensure the stone is authentic and the cut quality is acceptable.
A rose cut diamond with better color and clarity ratings will look its best, and the diamond should be free of major flaws that could expand to larger cracks or chips if the stone is accidentally stressed. Even small flaws may be visible in rose cuts, however, so it is important to be pragmatic when gauging the stone’s overall quality.
Rose Cut Care
After you buy a rose cut diamond, proper care is essential to keep the stone looking its best. Because these flat-bottomed diamonds sit close to the skin, they are more susceptible to buildup from body oils, dust, dirt, and other material that can dull the stone. Regular cleaning with a gentle de-greasing cleanser will keep the stone looking bright and brilliant, and a soft, lint-free cloth can be used to buff the stone's surface to a lovely shine.
Because rose cut diamonds have larger, more visible facets than modern diamond cuts, the stone will need to be protected against the possibility of chips and scratches. Storing rose cut diamond jewelry in separate compartments, lint-free bags, or individual dishes instead of mixing it with other jewelry will protect the vintage stone from being scratched or scratching others. Similarly, the jewelry should be removed before any activities that could cause nicks or chips, such as household cleaning, gym exercise, gardening, and so forth.
It is always wise for any diamond jewelry to be regularly inspected by an experienced jeweler, but this is especially critical for vintage pieces. These inspections can note any weaknesses in settings, bands, fasteners, clasps, and other parts of the jewelry so they can be repaired right away, before a stone may be lost. Documenting these inspections can be helpful for any jewelry insurance coverage and will also be useful should the piece ever be lost or stolen.
Choosing a Rose Cut Diamond Ring
A rose cut diamond is a unique and distinctive choice for all types of diamond jewelry, and understanding more about this cut can help you make an informed choice for your vintage diamond jewelry preferences. Discover the beauty and elegance of the rose cut—explore our guide to find the perfect piece that speaks to your style.
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored gemstones have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations. If you’re looking for a unique engagement ring that tells the world that you’re passionately in love, a vintage garnet ring is a stunning choice. Find your dream ring today!
Find The Perfect Antique Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you're looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Rose Cut Diamond Ring today!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you – your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
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