Elegance in bloom

In Cartier’s latest high-jewelry collection, Sixième Sens par Cartier, you will find a secret rose-cut diamond. In addition to the cluster of rose-cut trillions lighting up its Phaan cocktail ring, there is one more hidden beneath its 8.20-carat central ruby.

The architects of this ring will tell you that this is not a frivolous display of haute-joaillerie excess, but rather a clever gemological trick. The positioning of the rose-cut diamond improves the lighting beneath the ruby, thus enhancing its color.

Understated beauty is a concept that has threaded through the history of this cut; from delivering masculine shimmer for maharajas, to playfully throwing shards of color across the faces of candlelit Victorian women.

Today, its soft power is still in vogue with a contemporary crowd. Designer Ellis Mhairi Cameron, who works with brown and orange rose-cut diamonds, has been inundated with orders for both male and female styles.
“With rose cuts, they can go for bigger stones, without the design being as flashy as a brilliant cut,” she says.

Omi Privé has similarly responded to “an uptick in desire” driven by demand for vintage styles. However, the brand argues that rose-cut diamonds are not only capable of understated shine — they also have a larger surface area, which adds depth and extreme sparkle.

Ellis Mhairi Cameron

Drop earrings in 14-karat gold with mixed-cut diamonds, including rose cuts. ellismhairicameron.com

Arman Sarkisyan

Diamond bracelet in 18-karat gold and oxidized silver.
armansarkisyan.com

Van Cleef & Arpels

Vintage Ballerina brooch in 18-karat gold, diamond, ruby and emerald, circa 1943.
vancleefarpels.com

michelle fantaci

Key charm in 14-karat yellow gold and enamel with rose-cut diamonds.
michellefantaci.com

Cartier

Phaan ring in 18-karat gold with diamonds and rubies.
cartier.com

Omi Privé

Ring with an oval, 3.05-carat, pink sapphire in 18-karat yellow gold, accented by round rose-cut diamonds and round diamonds.
omiprive.com

Stephen Silver

Hoop earring (only one shown from pair) in 18-karat gold and diamonds.
shsilver.com

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