Every diamond goes through a number of processes before it reaches your jewellery box. First, there is years and years of it forming within the earth, it's eventually mined and brought to a lab where one of the most important "Four C's" takes place - cut! The cut of a diamond is so important for the way it reflects light, aka, the way it sparkles. The basics of cut are pretty simple, the better the cut, the better the sparkle, but let's take a look at exactly how a diamond is cut and what determines a diamonds cut quality.
The Rough Cut
Once unearthed from the mine and brought to the lab, experienced craftsmen and women take what is called the "diamond rough" (pictured here) and they assess the stone to determine the best cuts to make in order to get it as close to perfect as possible, while still maintaining the best available size or weight from the rough diamond. Depending on the stone, some cutters will decide to prioritize the weight of a stone over the cut. This means they will cut as little of the rough diamond away as they can, giving the finished product a lesser cut value, but a higher carat value. On the other hand, some cutters will decide the opposite, where they prioritize the cut over the carat weight, giving the final product a higher cut value and lesser carat value. This is all subject to the cutters discretion, or quite possibly, the purpose for which they are cutting the diamond.
The Little Details
In the diagram here you'll see the the different sections that make up a diamond. The sections include: the table, crown, pavilion, girdle and culet. These are the areas that are cut into different facets which determine the quality of the cut and how the light will be reflected off of, and through, each individual stone. There is quite a science behind each cut and the angle at which it's cut all in relation to how it interacts with light. To keep it simple we'll look at the basics of diamond depth using the following diamond scale.
Though many factors are taken into consideration when a diamond grader will grade a diamond as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor, the overall depth of the cut is an important factor in the stones cut value. If a diamonds depth is too deep or too shallow light will get lost in the bottom side of the diamond. An ideal cut means the stone will interact beautifully with light and allow it to reflect back up through the table of the diamond which brings out the best sparkle.
Cut To Shape
The most classic diamond cut, or shape is the round cut also known as "brilliant cut". Brilliant cut diamonds are subject to higher standards when being graded for cut quality. Fancy cut diamonds are not graded as strictly because they can be so unique in their overall look and shape. Some of the most common shapes are princess/square cut, emerald cut, pear cut and oval cut. These shapes and more are considered "fancy cut" diamonds, which essentially means it's something other than a brilliant cut diamond. The key factor in the quality of a fancy cut diamond is its symmetry. The diamond cutter has to be extremely mindful of how they cut each stone to ensure that all sides are symmetrical.
So, what's your favourite stone cut? Are you a lover of the classics, like brilliant or princess? Or do you prefer a fancier cut like emerald or pear? Nevertheless, Silveri Jewellers is committed to helping you find your perfect ring in your dream cut and setting. Browse engagement rings here or contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our diamond specialists. ••
Continue through the Diamond Guide to Colour>>