Round Cut Diamond Engagement Rings

A round engagement ring uses a round brilliant cut diamond as the centre stone. Round diamonds are the most commonly chosen shape for engagement rings, thanks to their timeless style and intense sparkle.

• The most sparkly diamond shape

• Iconic and timeless style

• Typically the most valuable shape

• Super versatile and suits all ring settings

• No sharp corners or weak points

• The intense sparkle can mask inclusions

Round diamonds are typically a little more expensive than other shapes of the same quality and carat weight. This is because more diamond is lost during the cutting process to achieve the round shape, and round cut engagement rings are the most popular worldwide, driving up demand and price. Depending on the diamond’s characteristics and setting, high-quality round engagement rings can range from approximately £1,500 to well over £50,000.

A round diamond ring is the most iconic design for engagement rings. Popularised in the 20th century, rings featuring a single, round diamond became an iconic symbol for engagements. Aside from their timeless appeal, round diamonds are more sparkly than any other shape. This is because round diamonds are cut with the optimal number of facets with 360 degrees of perfect symmetry, so light bounces in and around before emitting an intense sparkle.

In 2024, round cut engagement rings made up 45% of sales for Queensmith.

Round diamonds are the most versatile of diamond shapes, so really suit any setting. Solitaire rings with round diamonds are the most iconic design, as the simple, stripped-back design allows the diamond to do all the talking. In contemporary times, many couples choose to add diamond shoulders or a halo to their round engagement ring, to really amp up the sparkle.

Round diamonds are one of the smallest appearing diamond shapes. For example, a 1ct round diamond will appear a little smaller than a 1ct oval. This is because other shapes, like ovals, have an increased spread, so more of the carat weight is spread across a larger top surface (the ‘crown’ of the diamond). Round diamonds hold much of their carat weight directly under the crown.

Round diamonds are the most expensive of all diamond shapes, thanks to their popularity and the amount of diamond wasted during the cutting process. Typically, an oval diamond engagement ring offers a lower price point for the same carat weight, as well as a large looking stone, due to an increased spread. See our carat size guide for more information.

Round diamonds symbolise eternal love, with their circular shape representing something without beginning or end. A round diamond engagement ring never goes out of style. Its timeless diamond shape will forever emit an intense sparkle, symbolising reliability, loyalty, enduring passion and a classic kind of love.

Several celebrities have been spotted embracing the timeless design of a round cut diamond engagement ring, including:

• Miranda Kerr – Miranda Kerr's engagement ring is a large, round diamond ring with tapered baguette sides, set in platinum. The trilogy engagement ring is believed to have cost over $150,000 and looks to be 3 to 4cts.
  

• Pia Mance – Influencer Pia Mance has a striking but super simple solitaire engagement ring with a round diamond. Set in platinum with four claws, the design is traditional, yet paired with a very unique, wrap around wedding ring.
  

• Rosie Huntington – Rosie wears a simple ring with diamond set shoulders, set in platinum. Her large round diamond engagement ring is estimated to have cost around £250,000 and is approximately 5ct.