Diamond 4c's Guide - Cut
The Diamond's Cut
Cut is a term which broadly refers to the shape of the diamond, and at a deeper level cut also refers to the geometry of the diamond, or the make. A diamond's only job is beauty, and the only thing it does to gain that quality is due to light optics, and the way the light travels in the stone. The combination of refraction and reflection produces an effect we call scintillation.
Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. A cutter will decide based on the quality of the crystal what shape will yield the greatest value and prize. The most popular shapes are round, marquise, oval, pear, heart and emerald, and the choice is largely a matter of personal preference. There are also wonderous new shapes which are sheerly beautiful as well, the radiant cut and the princess cut come to mind instantly. Whatever the shape, however, a well cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more scintillation, more sparkle. And that's a great reflection on you.
How a diamond handles light:
It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light.
1. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. This is a combination of reflection and refraction, where the light does not exceed the "critical angle", rebounds and exits via the crown. A very fine geometry also greatly increases the "masking effect" of activity within the diamond, and a lower clarity will appear much more "eye clean" due to the effect. My opinion is that the cut of a diamond is what drives the show, the geometry and the diamond's beauty are linked to the data and we can help you to get the best value and beauty.
2. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes though the opposite side of the pavilion. This is where the critical angle between reflection and the light passing out of the stone is exceeded, and the effect is called "Unplanned Light Loss." This effect can really dim the beauty of the diamond, so do be aware that a well cut diamond will give you a dazzeling effect like no other gem can. Poorly cut diamonds are discounted greatly for their lesser appeal.
3. If the cut is to shallow, light escapes though the pavilion before it can be reflected. The AGS rates the ideal range for depth as between 58.5% up to 63%, and going below this in a round brilliant is not advised at all, the stone will become very dull and have the effect we call the "Fish Eye" effect. In essence, the light is lost out the back of the diamond, and remember a poorly cut diamond will easily be discounted 25% or more, so what seems a bargin can become an embarrasment.
One thing which bears mentioning is that different shapes will have radically different percentages and measurements. A princess cut might be 75% deep and have a 70% table and be a prime example of that shape. Trillions have a depth in the 30-40% range, and are picked for their brilliance and reflective qualities. We know that the world of diamonds can be a scary place for someone who wants to understand and we're here to help you do just that. We'll make the mysterious world of diamonds easy to understand, and we'll make finding that dream diamond a breeze. We're happy to help navigate with you...
 |
Diamond Cut |
| Diamond Color | |
| Diamond Clarity | |
| Diamond Carat | |
| Diamond Search | |
| Review the factors by which diamonds are graded. To understand the basics is to maximize your purchase. |
Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. A cutter will decide based on the quality of the crystal what shape will yield the greatest value and prize. The most popular shapes are round, marquise, oval, pear, heart and emerald, and the choice is largely a matter of personal preference. There are also wonderous new shapes which are sheerly beautiful as well, the radiant cut and the princess cut come to mind instantly. Whatever the shape, however, a well cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more scintillation, more sparkle. And that's a great reflection on you.
How a diamond handles light:
It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light.
1. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. This is a combination of reflection and refraction, where the light does not exceed the "critical angle", rebounds and exits via the crown. A very fine geometry also greatly increases the "masking effect" of activity within the diamond, and a lower clarity will appear much more "eye clean" due to the effect. My opinion is that the cut of a diamond is what drives the show, the geometry and the diamond's beauty are linked to the data and we can help you to get the best value and beauty.
2. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes though the opposite side of the pavilion. This is where the critical angle between reflection and the light passing out of the stone is exceeded, and the effect is called "Unplanned Light Loss." This effect can really dim the beauty of the diamond, so do be aware that a well cut diamond will give you a dazzeling effect like no other gem can. Poorly cut diamonds are discounted greatly for their lesser appeal.
3. If the cut is to shallow, light escapes though the pavilion before it can be reflected. The AGS rates the ideal range for depth as between 58.5% up to 63%, and going below this in a round brilliant is not advised at all, the stone will become very dull and have the effect we call the "Fish Eye" effect. In essence, the light is lost out the back of the diamond, and remember a poorly cut diamond will easily be discounted 25% or more, so what seems a bargin can become an embarrasment.
 Brilliant |
 Marquise |
 Pear |
 |
| |
|||
 Emerald |
 Oval |
 Heart |
|
One thing which bears mentioning is that different shapes will have radically different percentages and measurements. A princess cut might be 75% deep and have a 70% table and be a prime example of that shape. Trillions have a depth in the 30-40% range, and are picked for their brilliance and reflective qualities. We know that the world of diamonds can be a scary place for someone who wants to understand and we're here to help you do just that. We'll make the mysterious world of diamonds easy to understand, and we'll make finding that dream diamond a breeze. We're happy to help navigate with you...