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At Lily Arkwright, Community Matters Lily Arkwright’s roots lie in leafy Didsbury, Manchester. While we have grown into one of the UK’s leading fin...
Read moreThis shape is the most popular for proposals, chosen by more couples than any other. With 57 precisely angled facets, the round brilliant maximises light return and creates unmatched sparkle. Our round diamond rings are available in solitaire designs that place full focus on the centre stone, as well as shoulder set options for those who want more brilliance along the band. Each piece is crafted in 18k gold or platinum and comes with full certification.
A solitaire ring showcases this shape in its purest form, letting the cut speak for itself. This timeless style remains the most requested design for good reason. For those seeking additional presence, shoulder set pieces add complementary stones along the band. Three stone arrangements offer symbolic meaning alongside visual impact. Whatever your preference, the round shape adapts beautifully to any setting.
Developed in the early 20th century, this shape was engineered for maximum light performance. The 57 facet pattern is mathematically optimised to return the most light to the eye, creating exceptional fire. This makes it the benchmark against which all other cuts are measured. The symmetrical form also hides inclusions well, meaning you can often choose a slightly lower clarity grade without any visible difference. The brilliant diamond remains the most requested for proposals worldwide.
This shape's exceptional light return can make hue more noticeable than in other cuts. For white metals like platinum, we recommend G grade or above for the best visual result. In yellow or rose gold, you can often go slightly lower as the warm metal tone masks any faint tint. When it comes to clarity, VS2 or SI1 grades typically appear eye clean, allowing you to prioritise carat size within your budget.
Our pieces offer the same optical and physical properties as mined stones. Each is created in controlled conditions and comes with independent certification. This allows you to select a larger carat size or higher quality grade within the same budget. For couples who value ethics alongside beauty, this represents a meaningful choice without compromise on sparkle or durability.
Are round shapes more expensive?
Yes, this shape typically costs 20-30% more than fancy shapes of the same carat weight. This is because more rough material is lost during cutting to achieve the precise 57 facet pattern that maximises sparkle.
The round shape symbolises eternity with no beginning or end. It's the classic, timeless choice that has remained popular for over a century. Choosing this style signals appreciation for tradition and enduring elegance.
Ovals can elongate shorter fingers while rounds suit most hand shapes universally. The round offers more sparkle due to its optimised facet pattern, while ovals appear larger for the same carat weight.
We’re proud to be recognised consistently by the UK jewellery industry’s leading awards programmes. In 2026, Lily Arkwright has been shortlisted for Branded Boutique of the Year at the Professional Jeweller Awards and Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards, reflecting our continued commitment to exceptional customer service, product innovation, and ethical craftsmanship.
These latest nominations build on previous industry recognition, including being shortlisted for Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year at the 2025 UK Jewellery Awards and Independent Retailer of the Year at the Professional Jeweller Awards 2025. We were also finalists for Retail Team of the Year at both the Retail Jeweller Awards and Professional Jeweller Awards in 2024, recognising the passion, expertise, and dedication of our team.
We’re honoured to be recognised for helping thousands of couples find the perfect engagement rings and wedding rings, with a strong focus on choice, transparency, and personalisation. As an award-winning jeweller, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, exceptional craftsmanship, and responsibly sourced lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and natural diamonds, ensuring every customer can find a ring that perfectly reflects their love story.
At Lily Arkwright, Community Matters Lily Arkwright’s roots lie in leafy Didsbury, Manchester. While we have grown into one of the UK’s leading fin...
Read moreThis year marks Lily Arkwright's 5th year of supporting Unicef during Black Friday building upon our successful 2019 Unicef Halloween Ball partner...
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