Among the four C's of diamonds cutting is probably the least understood and yet it has a significant impact on the cost of the said articles of fine jewelry. It should be taken into consideration that diamonds that exude excellent cutting could cost 40 to 50 percent higher than diamonds that are poorly cut. Hence, it is important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. With regards to diamonds, cut or make pertains to the overall symmetry, proportioning and finish of the stones that have direct impact on the levels of their fire and brilliance.
The three most basic cutting techniques used for fine jewelry diamonds include the brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut utilizes several facets that are usually triangular and kite in shape and are arranged in a particular manner to optimized the diamonds' 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. On the other hand, a mixed cut uses combined elements from the step cut and brilliant cut techniques.
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. Although, the brilliant cut fits well with differing shape, it is the round shape that complements it the most. 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. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? The answer is that since this shape has no corners it displays the most liveliness as it is capable of reflecting the most light that passes through the stones due to its perfect proportions.
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 that are cut this way are often used as accents for engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be easily arranged no matter what form or shape the jewelry has. Nonetheless, they befit all settings whether it is prong or pave. Fundamentally, this cut is truly functional and versatile.
Of course, as stated earlier there are different cutting techniques that could be employed for diamonds. What might be ideal for some may not be the choice of another. 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 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.
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
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