The round brilliant is the most chosen diamond shape, for good reason. Its 57 or 58 facets are arranged to return light to the eye with real efficiency. It is also the only shape graded for cut on a recognised scale, which means quality can be judged precisely rather than felt. Our founder has made round brilliant rings in London since 1999.
Why cut grade matters most here
A diamond's brightness comes from how well it is cut, not simply from its weight or colour. With the round brilliant, the proportions, symmetry and polish that produce that brightness are measured and reported, so you can compare one stone against another with confidence. A well-cut diamond of modest colour will usually outshine a poorly cut stone graded higher elsewhere.
When clients ask where to place their budget, we point first to cut. The grading scale runs from Excellent downward, and the difference between the top grades is visible in good light. For more on how the four characteristics interact, see the 4Cs of diamonds and our note on diamond cut.
Solitaire, three-stone and halo
The round brilliant suits the classic engagement ring designs, and each one frames the stone differently.
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Solitaire: a single round diamond on a clean band, where cut quality is on full display with nothing to distract from it.
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Three-stone: a central round brilliant flanked by two smaller stones, often read as past, present and future.
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Halo: a ring of small diamonds encircling the centre stone, adding presence and making the centre appear larger.
Each is designed in CAD and hand-finished at our own bench, with casting and setting carried out by trusted specialist workshops. We work in platinum and 18ct golds, and you can carry the round brilliant through to matching wedding rings later.
A shape that holds its value
Because demand for the round brilliant is steady and its grading is well understood, it tends to resell more readily than less familiar shapes. That matters on a significant purchase, though most clients choose it simply because it suits them. We offer both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, each independently graded, so you can weigh budget against size without compromising on the cut.
Common questions
How much does a round brilliant engagement ring cost?
Settings start from £800, and a complete bespoke engagement ring starts from £1,500. The final figure depends mainly on the centre diamond you choose. We source certified options across natural and lab-grown stones to your brief and share full grading and detail so you can choose with confidence.
Should I prioritise cut, colour or clarity?
For a round brilliant, cut earns the first share of the budget, since it governs how the stone returns light. From there, diamond colour and diamond clarity can be adjusted to suit your eye and your budget. We will guide you through the trade-offs in person.
Where will I see the rings?
Clients are seen by appointment at our private studio in Unit 1.02, The Goldsmiths' Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD, a short walk from Farringdon. UK orders include complimentary insured shipping, with professional cleaning and inspection available at our bench.
To begin, book a consultation at our London studio, where we will talk through stones, settings and budget and design your bespoke engagement rings around the round brilliant you choose.
