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 should be noted that well cut diamonds could cost as much as 40 to 50 percent more than poorly cut sparklers. Hence, it is essential for a prospective buyer to understand the value of cut when it comes to diamonds. 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.
Basically, there are three general cutting techniques employed 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. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.
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 integrated with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will not only show the most brilliance and fire, it would also show incomparable appeal 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 the most popular shape that befits well with the said cutting technique.
A round brilliant cut sparkler has 58 facets, 33 of which are located on the crown, 24 on the bottom, and one on the culet or point. Smaller round brilliant sparklers are referred to as "full cut" in order to differentiate them from "single cut" gems that only contain 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" gems that only have 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.
Round brilliant cut is also acknowledged as the most favorite and "ideal" combination of cut and shape because of its versatile nature that could befit all sorts of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are commonly incorporated on engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be arranged easily regardless of the shape and form of the jewelry. Nevertheless, they also go well with all known settings such as pave, prong, and bezel among others. Basically, this cut warrants functionality and versatility that other cutting styles could not produce.
Of course, as stated earlier there are different cutting techniques that could be employed for diamonds. What might look strange to some, might be ideal for others. If you have the intent to purchase diamonds, regardless if they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, always consider the cut that you like and not the cut that your friend likes; remember proportionally cut diamonds does not always warrant the highest cut grades from GIA, there are actually diamonds that aren't cut ideally but they are far more valuable than the ones that have an ideal cut. 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