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.
There are three basic cutting styles used for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut uses several facets, usually triangular and kite shaped that are arranged in specific ways to achieve optimum brilliance. A step cut have fewer facets than that of the brilliant cut, commonly rectangular or trapezoid in shape and are arranged in a linear format. A mixed-cut on the other hand integrates the elements used by both the step cut and brilliant cut styles.
From the mentioned cutting techniques however, the brilliant cut is the most popular because of its ability to optimize maximum brilliance and fire from diamonds. But, when combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will definitely show an imposing beauty and value that will endure the test of time. While there are many shapes that complement brilliant cutting, it is perhaps the round shape that truly stands out. As a matter of fact, round brilliant cut is the most famous shape that is closely identified with the mentioned cutting technique.
Every round brilliant cut sparkler exudes 58 facets””33 are found on the top or crown, 24 are situated at the bottom, and the remaining one is at the point or culet. 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. With all these information perhaps you’re now wondering, what is with these round brilliant diamonds that make them valuable? To simply put it, as the diamonds cut this way have no corners they could reflect the most light that passes through them enabling them to produce the most brilliance, fire and liveliness.
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. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.
As mentioned earlier, different cutting techniques could be used 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 thing that you have to do is to look and compare diamonds of various qualities and prices as this will train your eyes to properly detect their differences in terms of fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.
When searching for fine jewelry diamonds it is important that you consider the cutting technique used for the sparklers as this greatly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance.