Why the Rose Cut Diamond Ring Is Still In Full Bloom

By Kristen Shirley. Updated May 27, 2025

The rose cut diamond ring dates to the 16th century, but you wouldn’t know it from these fresh designs.

Why the Rose Cut Diamond Ring Is Still In Full Bloom

Lily Collins shows off her rose cut diamond engagement ring from director Charlie McDowell in September 2020, designed by Irene Neuwirth. (Instagram: @lilyjcollins)

With its delicate sparkle and vintage feel, perhaps no diamond is as romantic as the rose cut diamond ring. Brides who love antique and vintage-inspired jewelry may prefer the rose cut diamond ring’s softer, more subtle sparkle. The engagement ring worn by English rose, Emily in Paris actress, Lily Collins is a perfect example of its cool but discreet appeal. But this cut doesn’t need to be marked bridal only. Many stylish fingers feature a rose cut diamond ring for any occasion or for none at all.

Meet the Expert

Rebecca Selva is the Chief Creative Officer of Fred Leighton, a globally recognized authority in vintage and antique jewelry. With over two decades of experience curating and styling historic pieces for red carpets, editorials, and private collectors, she is a trusted expert in period jewelry.

What Is a Rose Cut Diamond Ring?

A rose cut diamond ring features a diamond with a flat base and a domed crown covered in triangular facets that resemble the petals of a rose in bloom. Unlike the brilliant cuts that sparkle with intense fire, the rose cut offers a softer, more diffused glow, often compared to candlelight. Because it lacks a pavilion (the deep, pointed underside found in most modern cuts), a rose cut diamond appears larger face-up than a modern diamond of the same carat weight. Each stone is also entirely unique, with no standardized number of facets, allowing for irregular and organic shapes that feel one-of-a-kind. This makes rose cut diamond rings especially appealing to those who want something distinctive, romantic, and less conventional.

The History and Unique Appeal of the Rose Cut Diamond Ring

Rose cut diamonds are one of the oldest diamond cuts — they date back to the 16th century. Museum exhibits and auction sales of vintage jewelry are full of stunning rose cut diamond rings, especially from the Victorian and Georgian eras. Long before the advent of electric lighting, these diamonds were intentionally crafted to sparkle under candlelight, enhancing their romantic allure with a subtle, flickering glow. Once designed to dazzle in dimly lit ballrooms and salons, rose cut diamonds carry a sense of history and old-world elegance.

Rebecca Selva, jewelry expert and Creative Director of famed antique jewelry emporium Fred Leighton, describes the response when you see a rose cut diamond ring, “What is that? It looks different? It has a different personality. It has a shimmer. Under low light, they sparkle because of large facets which catch the light.”

Rose Cut Diamond Rings in Modern Day

Lily Collins announced her engagement to director Charlie McDowell in September 2020. McDowell popped the question in New Mexico with a ring that is believed to feature a 3-carat cushion-shaped, rose-cut, center stone on a flared, yellow-gold textured bezel that allows one to see through the diamond. McDowell helped design the one-of-a-kind bauble with renowned jeweler Irene Neuwirth. “Thank you for making the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen,” McDowell wrote to Neuwirth on Instagram. Collins commented, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart SO much for the most stunning, perfect ring. It’s breathtaking.”

Unlike most modern cuts, there’s not a specific formula or number of facets required in a rose cut diamond, so each one is unique. Rose cut diamond rings can come in all different shapes, from classic round, oval, and pear cuts to irregular triangles and kite shapes.

Rose cut diamonds have a more subtle and understated sparkle than many modern cuts due to their unique shape. Their sparkle could be described more as the warm glow of candlelight instead of the brightness of an incandescent light bulb. While they might have less sparkle, rose cut diamond rings can appear larger than modern cuts with the same carat weight. This is because rose cut diamonds don’t have a deep pavilion and have a more flat shape.

Because rose cut diamond rings come in all shapes and sizes, it’s a great cut for someone looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. Selva offers that, “The subtlety isn’t for everyone. It says, what’s the story here? You know there’s a story and it’s a story that goes back centuries.” Designers today use them in everything from simple, modern settings to ornate masterpieces. Enjoy a selection of nine beautiful rose cut rings from today’s top designers.

The Minimalist Rose Cut Diamond Ring

rose cut diamond ring on gold band — Courtesy of Grace Lee

Grace Lee is well known for making the rose cut diamond ring a modern classic. She brings a delicate modernity to the rose cut diamond ring with her Petite Straight Lace Band. Featuring a row of tiny rose cut diamonds set flush into a slender 14K gold band, the design blends antique charm with sleek minimalism. The subtle shimmer of the rose cuts adds a refined texture, while the clean, linear setting feels effortlessly contemporary. It’s an understated yet elegant nod to the enduring beauty of the rose cut.

The Vintage Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring

solitaire rose cut diamond ring on gold band — Courtesy of Single Stone

The Single Stone Diamond Wyler Rose-Cut Engagement Ring highlights the vintage feel a rose cut diamond ring through its vintage-inspired design. It features a 1.43-carat rose cut diamond with .29 carats of Old European-cut diamonds on the shank. The central stone is a very light green-yellow color, which is accented by the 18K yellow gold bezel setting. Single Stone handcrafts all of its jewelry in Los Angeles, using antique or responsibly-sourced diamonds and recycled metal to create modern heirlooms with vintage designs.

The Edgy Rose Cut Diamond Ring

While many a rose cut diamond ring features romantic, feminine designs, Eva Fehren brings some dark, New York City glamour to the cut of her Nirvana Eclat ring. The ring features a 1.00-carat oval rose cut white diamond set in blackened platinum. The blackened metal and the sharp, clawlike prongs are accented by more white diamonds on the setting. There are inverted white diamonds on the bezel and traditional brilliant-cut diamonds along the shank. The spiky appearance of the inverted diamonds contrasts with the gentle curves of the rose cut center stone.

The Rose Cut Diamond Eternity Band

rose cut diamond ring eternity band — Courtesy of 64Facets

64Facets reimagines the rose cut diamond ring with sculptural elegance in its Scallop Diamond Ring. This medium-sized band features a seamless row of rose cut diamonds, each set in a softly contoured, scalloped bezel that hugs the finger. With 2.2 carats of diamonds and a low-profile silhouette, it’s a refined take on the eternity band, ideal for theose who prefer subtle sparkle without a center stone.

The Cluster Rose Cut Diamond Ring

Kwiat shows the glamorous side of a rose cut diamond ring in this extraordinary cluster ring. It features a 1.39-carat rose-cut center stone surrounded by round diamonds in a floral-inspired platinum setting. The contrast between the rose cut diamond and round diamonds is striking and truly highlights the unique beauty of the antique cut.

The Halo Rose Cut Diamond Ring

This unique rose cut diamond ring from Erstwhile is perfect for non-traditional brides. Handcrafted in New York City, it features a rose cut diamond set in black rhodium-plated platinum for a bold, moody contrast. A delicate halo of smaller rose cut diamonds enhances the center stone, creating a ring that’s as unconventional and unique as the antique diamonds it celebrates.

The Boho Diamond Rose Cut Diamond Ring

boho rose cut diamond ring — Courtesy of Jacquie Aiche

This bold yet earthy rose cut diamond ring by Jacquie Aiche puts a contemporary spin on a timeless cut. Featuring a pear-shaped rose cut diamond set east-west in a thick, polished gold dome, the ring exudes effortless cool. The warm gleam of 14K gold contrasts beautifully with the soft shimmer of the rose cut center stone, making it ideal for stacking or wearing solo as a statement. Handcrafted in Los Angeles and made to order, this piece is available in rose, yellow, or white gold—perfect for those seeking a distinctive, one-of-a-kind design with a touch of bohemian luxury.