Diamond Facets: Single Cut vs. Full Cut Diamonds

If you’re like most people wearing a diamond, you probably haven’t given much thought to how many facets it has—and that’s perfectly fine. If it sparkles and looks beautiful, that’s usually what matters most.

However, understanding the difference between single cut and full cut diamonds can help you shop smarter and avoid paying more than you need to. Here’s what you should know.

What Are Full Cut Diamonds?

A full cut diamond is the classic round brilliant cut most people picture when they think of a diamond. This style typically features 57 or 58 facets, depending on whether the culet is present.

These numerous facets are carefully arranged to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and sparkle by reflecting and dispersing light from every angle. That’s why the term brilliant is often included in the cut’s name.

Because cutting this many precise facets requires more time, skill, and labor, full cut diamonds are more expensive. While most buyers won’t count the facets themselves, you should be able to rely on a reputable jeweler to accurately describe the cut.

What Are Single Cut Diamonds?

Single cut diamonds are most commonly used as accent or side stones, especially in ring settings, bracelets, and pavé designs. These diamonds typically have 16 to 18 facets, far fewer than full cut stones.

There are two main reasons for this:

• It’s extremely difficult to cut 57 facets on very small diamonds

• Doing so would significantly increase the cost without much visible benefit

Single cut diamonds are usually quite small—often around 1/10 of a carat or less—and at that size, the difference in sparkle between single cut and full cut stones is minimal to the naked eye.

Which Cut Should You Choose?

For a center stone, a full cut diamond is generally worth the investment, as it provides maximum brilliance and visual impact.

For smaller accent diamonds, single cut stones make practical sense. They offer good sparkle, keep the overall cost down, and perform beautifully in detailed settings where individual facets aren’t easily distinguished.

What to Look for When Shopping

Whether the diamonds are single cut or full cut, it’s important to inspect them for:

• Chips or cracks

• Loose or damaged settings

• Overall consistency in appearance

Understanding the difference between these cuts allows you to feel confident that you’re getting the best value for your money—without paying for details that won’t make a noticeable difference.

Knowing when full cut diamonds matter—and when single cut diamonds are perfectly appropriate—helps you shop smarter and choose jewelry that balances beauty, quality, and cost.