How many facets does a round diamond have?

A round diamond typically has 57 to 58 facets. This is one of the most famous diamond cuts, and it makes up 75 percent of all diamond sales. Compared to a round diamond, a princess diamond has 53 facets and an emerald has 49 to 50 facets.

Round cut diamonds are preferred due to their ability to reflect light and shine; however, the number of facets does not necessarily determine the diamond's brilliance. Some diamond shapes can have up to a 100 facets, providing more surface for light to break up and reflect off the diamond. Round diamonds were initially made popular in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky's thesis titled, "Diamond Design: The Study of Reflection and Refraction of Light in Diamond."