Of all the C's of diamonds, cut is perhaps the least understood though it has profound impact on the aesthetics and value of these fine jewelry pieces. It is noteworthy that well cut diamonds could value 40 to 50 percent more than their poorly cut counterparts. Hence, it is important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. In reference to diamonds, cut or make refers to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that directly affect how these gems produce their fire and brilliance.
There are three basic cutting styles used for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut makes use of many facets and are usually triangular and kite in shape arranged in defined ways to achieve maximum brilliance. A step cut uses lesser facets than the brilliant cut, usually in trapezoid or rectangular shape, arranged in a well-defined linear pattern. Meanwhile, a mixed cut makes use of combined elements from both the step and brilliant cutting styles.
From the above alluded techniques though, the brilliant cut is probably the most famous due to its ability to reveal the maximum fire and brilliance of diamonds. But, if combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will surely overshadow other diamonds in terms of beauty and value. Even though there's a whole range of shapes that suit with brilliant cutting, it is probably the round shape that best complements it. In fact, round brilliant cut is already relative with the said cutting style.
Each round brilliant cut sparkler contains 58 facets""33 are situated on the crown, 24 at the bottom, and another facet at the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are known as "full cut" stones in order to discern them from the so-called "single cut" stones which only exude 17 facets, or from "Swiss cut" stones that contain only 33 facets. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? The answer lies on their capability to emit the most brilliance, fire and liveliness which could all be credited from their ability to reflect the most light.
The round brilliant cut is an established favorite and considered "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only because of its premium brilliance but also its ability to suit all types of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are most preferred for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings among others because they could be easily lined together regardless of the form of the jewelry. Similarly, they also complement all kinds of settings such as pave, prong and bezel to name a few. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.
As mentioned earlier, different cutting techniques could be used for diamonds. What might be preferred by most people may not be a particular choice for others. If you are going to purchase diamonds, whether they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, it is important that you'd be the one to decide what type of cut you like because the appearance of an ideally cut sparkler may not be appealing to you, and your choice might probably be the ones that received the highest cut grade from GIA. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.
The cutting techniques used for diamonds, whether they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds; significantly affect their appeal and value. Among the cutting styles in use, the round brilliant cut is perhaps the most ideal due to its perfect proportions that allow diamonds cut this way to emit the most brilliance and fire. Round brilliant diamonds are also revered for their versatility which is apparent from their ability to suit all forms of fine jewelry setting.
-Lorraine Jacobs
No comments:
Post a Comment