A diamond is a precious gemstone that has been adorning jewelry for centuries. It is known for its exceptional beauty and brilliance, and is considered to be one of the most coveted gems in the world. But what many people don’t know is that a diamond is actually made up of many different facets, each one contributing to the overall beauty and sparkle of the diamond.
So, just how many facets are there on a round diamond? Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
- A round cut diamond typically has 58 facets that are carefully cut and polished to create maximum sparkle and brilliance.
- The number of facets on a diamond is determined by its cut, and different cuts may have varying numbers of facets.
- Having more facets on a diamond can increase its sparkle and brilliance, but it can also make it more prone to chipping and more difficult to clean.
- Round diamonds with more facets can also be more expensive, as they require more time and effort to create.
- Despite the potential downsides, round brilliant cut diamonds with 58 facets remain one of the most popular and versatile diamond shapes, suitable for a wide range of jewelry and occasions.
What is a Round Diamond?
For starters, a round diamond is a classic and timeless diamond shape. It is the most popular diamond shape and has been for decades. Not to mention, round diamonds are cut with 57 or 58 facets to create maximum sparkle and brilliance.
Moreover, they are also the most expensive type of diamond due to their high demand. Round diamonds are perfect for any occasion and can be used to create a timeless and classic look. They are also the most versatile shape, making them suitable for any jewelry.

What are the Facets of a Round Diamond?
Wow, did you know that the facets on a round diamond are what create that amazing sparkle and shine? It's true! These flat surfaces are carefully cut and polished to form the symmetrical pattern of triangles and kites that make up a round diamond's 58 facets.
And the table, the topmost facet, is the largest, while the diamond culet, the bottommost point, is the smallest. But it's not just the size of these facets that matter - it's how they're arranged in tiers with the upper-half and lower-half facets, the star facets above the diamond girdle, and the pavilion facets below. When all these facets work together, they create a breathtaking sparkle that is truly unmatched.
Exploring the Facets
Ah, diamonds - the beloved gems that sparkle and shine like nothing else. But did you know that behind their dazzling appearance lies a fascinating world of facets? Yes, facets! These tiny, flat surfaces on a diamond are like the magic ingredient that makes diamonds truly exceptional. They're the secret to a diamond's captivating beauty, and the key to its ability to reflect and refract light in mesmerizing ways. So, let's take a closer look at these sparkling facets and see what makes them so special!
Number of Facets
When a round diamond is examined under a microscope, it can be seen that the diamond is made up of many tiny facets, which are essentially flat surfaces that reflect light in different directions. The number of facets that a round diamond has is determined by diamond's cut. A brilliant cut diamond will have 58 facets, while a princess cut diamond may have just 40.
Types of Facets
When it comes to the types of facets, a round diamond can be seen with 57 to 58 facets. The crown is the upper part of the diamond with 33 facets, and it is made up of the 8 star table facets, the 8 kite facets, and 16 on the upper girdle facets. The pavilion is the lower part of the diamond with 25 facets and is composed of the lower girdle 16 facets, the culet, and the pavilion's mains 8 facets.
Effects of Facets
The effects of the facets of a round diamond can be seen in the way the diamond interacts with light. When light enters the diamond, it is refracted and reflected off the facets, creating a unique sparkle and brilliance. The table, which is the largest facet, is responsible for the diamond’s overall brilliance, while the pavilion mains are responsible for the diamond’s fire.

Pros and Cons of Having More Facets
Did you know that every round diamond is like a unique snowflake, with its own specific number of facets that contribute to its brilliance and beauty? It's true! From the largest to the smallest of diamonds, the facets are what make each one special and give it its own personality. So, let's take a closer look at the fascinating world of diamond facets and explore why the number of facets matters when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond for you.
Pros
Cons
Benefits of Having More Facets
- More facets on a round diamond means increased sparkle and brilliance.
- More facets makes the diamond appear brighter and more vibrant.
- Round diamonds with more facets tend to look larger than those with fewer facets.
- It can often enhance the clarity of the diamond, making the inclusion flaws less visible, and the diamond appear clearer and more pristine.
- Round diamonds with more facets can also be more cost-effective.

Advantages of Having Fewer Facets
When it comes to diamonds, sometimes less can be more. While having more facets can increase sparkle and brilliance, having fewer facets can bring other unique advantages to the table. For starters, fewer facets can actually add to the depth of the diamond, making it appear more three-dimensional and full of life.
Additionally, fewer facets mean less of the diamond's surface area is exposed to light, resulting in fewer visible inclusion flaws and a pristine appearance. And, as an added bonus, round diamonds with fewer facets are cheaper due to their smaller surface area.
So if you're looking for a diamond with a little more character and depth, consider opting for a stone with fewer facets.

Frequently Asked Questions
Let's explore some more while I answer some frequently asked questions.
Do all diamonds have 58 facets?
No. While 58 is the most common number of facets, there are diamonds with fewer or more than 58 facets, depending on the shape and quality of the diamond.
Is a diamond with more facets better?
While a diamond with more facets might shine more brilliantly, it may be more expensive. On the other hand, a diamond with fewer facets may be more affordable, but may not be as brilliant.
What cut of diamond has the most facets?
The cut of the diamond with the most facets is the round brilliant cut. This cut has 57 facets, including 33 on the crown, 24 on the pavilion, and the culet.
How Many Facets Does An Ideally Cut Round Brilliant Diamond Have?
An ideally cut round brilliant diamond has 58 facets. This is the ideal diamond cut because it has the most facets, which creates the most sparkle, brilliance, and fire. Also, its facets are designed to maximize light reflection and dispersion.

Conclusion
Diamond cutting comes in various designs like emerald cut diamonds, radiant cut diamonds, princess cut diamonds, asscher cut diamonds, cushion cut diamonds, pear shaped diamonds, etc. But the diamond industry still considers round brilliant cut diamonds the king!
In conclusion, the number of facets on round cut diamonds is 58. The amount of facets is important because it creates the diamond's sparkle, and the number of facets on round brilliant diamonds is what creates their unique and beautiful appearance.