Diamond Cuts and Shapes: Rose Cut Diamonds

A diamond cut refers to the style of shaping a diamond with symmetrical arrangement of facets. Facets are geometrical shapes, which are cut into gemstones, to improve their look and to facilitate reflection of light. The history of diamond cuts can be traced back to the end of the middle ages. Rose cut is said to have originated in India but another contention is that it was actually developed in Holland and the earlier Indian versions were only a crude form of this cut. However, rose cut got popular in the latter part of the sixteenth century and was replaced by brilliant cut during the nineteenth century.

Structure of Rose Cut Diamonds

A typical rose cut diamond has a unique shape and facet arrangement. It has a flat bottom and an elevated pointed dome with triangular facets forming a point. The dome is generally in the shape of a hemisphere or pyramid. The number of triangular facets in a rose cut diamond may vary between 12 to 24. Generally it has a lower tier of triangular facets which in combination with the upper tier, gives the look of a rose bud. The facets in the upper tier are called star facets and the ones in the lower tier are known as the diagonal facets. Usually, the middle portion of a rose cut diamond has six triangular facets, which meet at a point in the center. The outline of this diamond is usually circular but there are oval, hexagonal and pear-shaped domes. The facet arrangement in rose cut diamonds are usually in multiples of six.

Rose cut is also known as crowned rose cut, Dutch cut and Full Holland cut. The Antwerp rose cut is hexagonal in outline. In a Double Dutch rose cut, there are 48 facets with two back to back hemispheres. A briolette cut is a modified form of Double Dutch cut with one of the hemispheres in an elongated shape. The outline of this diamond is oval shaped. A senaille cut has irregular facets which are non-symmetrical.

Caring for Rose Cut Diamonds

Rose cut diamonds require extra care. As the dome of the diamond protrudes out, it is possible that it can be damaged or chipped along the facet points, which are the most delicate points of the diamond. The setting of rose cut diamonds are often very delicate and needs careful handling. Usually the settings used for these diamonds are prong, bezel and flush. Above all, most of the rose cut diamonds are part of antique jewelery, which anyway need be maintained with caution.

Nowadays, rose cut diamonds are mainly seen in antique jewelery, which is rare and expensive. These diamonds are distinct for their facets but the facets can cause some disadvantages. This style of cut can increase the carat weight of the diamond, which in turn can dull the brilliance. Rose cut diamonds reflect the light from outside and there is no refraction of inner glitter. In some rose cut diamonds, a thin layer of silver or gold coating is attached to the bottom to enhance the brilliance. Nevertheless, there is a revival in the demand for rose cut diamonds and both old ones and the new ones are available now. You can differentiate the older ones by their irregular shape and knife-edge girdle. The new rose cut diamonds are more calibrated (cut to exact sizes) and most of them have their origin in India. Diamonds are evergreen and you can always add a rose cut diamond to your favorite jewelery collection.