Diamond Cut

One of the main characteristics of the diamond is the Diamond Cut.

This is important as it describes how the diamond was shaped according to the original shape. The diamond cutter has to be an experienced cutter to cut the diamond economically, with the minimal waste, to keep the value of the diamond and to retain the best shape possible.

How a Diamond is CutDiamond cutting is an art and much skill is required to turn a rough diamond into a brilliant faceted gem.

'Cut' has two meanings in relation to diamonds. The first is the shape: round, oval and so on. The second relates to the specific quality of cut within the shape, and the quality and price will vary greatly based on the cut quality. Since diamonds are very hard to cut, special diamond bladed edges are used to cut them. The diamond cutting process includes these steps;

PlanningThe first objective of any diamond cut is to retain the best possible investment. That means cutting away the least possible yet still retaining the correct shape of the diamond. The planning stage can take a long time as the cutter examines and make a decision as to how the gemstone will be cut.

Cleaving or SawingCleaving is the separation of the stone into two or more pieces. Sawing describes using a diamond saw, or often these days a laser, to cut the rough diamond.

BrutingBruting is not a brutal as it sounds. It is the process of having two diamonds set onto spinning axles turning in opposite directions. These are then set to grind against each other to shape each diamond into a round shape. This can also be known as girdling.

PolishingThis describes the process of cutting the facets on the diamond and polishing them. This is an important step as each facet must be at the correct angle to give the maximum light reflection for that diamond.

Final InspectionAt the final inspection the diamond is cleaned in acid and examined to ensure it meets the standards of the manufacturer. It is here that it is also graded.

The Cuts of a DiamondThis describes the shape of the diamond. There are basically eight cuts of diamond.

Round Brilliant
Emerald Cut
Princess Cut
Heart Cut
Oval Cut
Marquise Cut
Pear Cut
Round Brilliant

Some of the most popular diamond cuts include Heart, Emerald, Marquise (Oval with pointed ends), Oval, Pear, and Princess with the Round Brilliant (R/B) probably being the most popular.

There are some other rarer cuts such as the Round Cut, for example, also called the J C Millennium. There is also the Radiant Cut, an octagonal shape similar to an Emerald Cut.

Round Brilliant DiamondsThe Classic Cut: the vast majority of diamonds sold are rounds. The traditional choice for all occasions and preferred by many for their personal investment portfolio. The depth percentage of a round diamond should range between 58 to 63 percent and the table percentage should range between 55 to 64 percent. The most desired percentages are the 60 percent, and perfectionists will look for depth of 59 through 62 percent and table of 56 through 58 percent.

Marquise Cut DiamondsThe Marquise Cut takes its name from a legend relating to the Marquise of Pompadour. According to the legend, the Sun King desired a stone to be polished into the shape of the mouth of the Marquise. It is generally agreed that a length-to-width ratio between 1.75:1 to 2:1 is most pleasing. As with other fancy shapes, the consumer's individual taste constitutes an element of the evaluation as well. The typical marquise diamond contains 56 facets.

Princess Cut DiamondsThe Princess Cut Diamond is a brilliant style shape with sharp, uncut corners. It is typically cut square rather as a rectangle. Brilliant style refers to vertical direction crown and pavilion facets instead of step style horizontally facets. A princess Cut Diamond generally has 76 facets, giving it more brilliance and fire than the round brilliant. The Princess Cut diamond is fast becoming one of the most popular cuts in the United States.

Radiant Cut DiamondsThe Radiant Cut Diamond is a straight-edged rectangular or square stone with cut corners. The radiant cut diamond has 62-70 facets. Radiant Cut Diamonds are principally used for important center stones primarily for rings but also for pendant. They are rarely used for earrings or as side stones because they are hard to calibrate and match. To get matched pairs you may have to sort through a hundred stones or re cut to calibrate.

Emerald Cut DiamondsAn emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. The flat planes of the outside edges allow for a variety of side stones shapes. Typical pairings would be two or three side baguettes, two half-moons, and other smaller emeralds, but not trillions, as their sparkle makes the center emerald cut look flat. The length-to-width ratio of an Emerald Cut Diamond should be between 1.5:1 to 1.75:1.

Pear Shaped DiamondsThe pear shaped brilliant diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond. More than other fancy shapes, length-to-width ratio is a matter of taste when it comes to pear shaped diamonds. Because pears may be used for engagement rings, suites in necklaces, dangles in earrings, and integral parts of custom designs, a wide variety of shapes is considered desirable. The typical pear shaped diamond will contain 58 facets.

Oval Cut DiamondsThe oval cut diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond and that's why its technical name is oval modified brilliant diamond. The oval was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the early 1960s. A length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1 is almost universally considered a pleasing shape for oval diamonds, with any variation beyond 1.4:1 or 1.6:1 beginning to be noticeable and become an aesthetic issue. However as with all fancies, a certain degree of individual taste is always factored into the desirability of a particular diamond's shape. Fifty-six facets are typical for oval brilliant diamonds. Over the last year or two ovals have become very popular as center diamonds for engagement rings.

Heart Shaped DiamondsRomantic perfection for the special occasions. The perfect stone for the special occasion requirements. The Heart shaped brilliant is the hit item on Valentines day. Usually the width will be 10% wider than the head-to-point length.

Asscher cut DiamondsThe Asscher cut is a modified square cut Emerald characterized by a smaller table and larger step facet than the Emerald Cut. It features dramatic, cut corners. It usually has a high crown and a deeper pavilion. Because of its high crown and small table, the Asscher cut has more light and fire than the Emerald Cut. Estate and antique dealers seek Asscher Cuts to repair or replace older pieces of jewelry. Asscher Cuts are short in supply and high in demand, especially with the growing popularity of square-cut diamonds and Antique style Engagement rings, there is little difference in value between old Asscher and a newly cut one.

Cushion Cut DiamondsThe Cushion Cut was evolved from the 'Old Mine Cut' that was developed before the turn of the century. A cushion cut is square to rectangular cut with rounded corners and 58 brilliant facets that resemble a pillow shape, hence the name. The recent popularity for cushion cuts began some years ago, and the demand has increased as designers and antique dealers continue to use them. Cushion cut diamonds look especially nice in antique settings so are a great choice if that is the type of ring you are seeking.

The Facets of a DiamondAll diamonds have facets or 'faces' How many depends on the cut. There are specific types of facets to each diamond. A Standard Round Brilliant will have, for example:

Upper:
1 Table facet
8 Star facets
8 Kite or Upper Main Facets
16 Upper Girdle facets
Total facets: 33 Crown Facets

The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond, and may have a frosted appearance. Many diamonds are also finished with a fully polished or even a faceted girdle. However This does not affect the value of a diamond. The girdle is rated in terms of thickness from:

Extremely thin, Very thin, Thin, Medium Slightly Thick, Thick, Very Thick, and Extremely Thick. Select only the medium or close to it and don't select the very or extremely thick or thin.

Pavilion:
8 Pavilion
16 Lower Girdle
1 Culet
Total facets: 25 Pavilion Facets
Thus there are 58 facets in total.

The Diamond Cuts can be seen here

Diamond Cut
So you see the diamond cut is a very vital characteristic of a diamond. It is the first thing one sees when inspecting a diamond and determines, to a large degree, the value of the diamond

Always check that the cut is what suits you or the person you are buying the diamond for. When it comes to rings, some cuts suit certain hands better than others, for example.

Never be in a hurry and take your time when selecting the diamond cut.