True, we cut a diamond to shape it, but for gemologists, the term “cut” is about a diamond’s proportions like depth, width and uniformity of facets.
These are the characteristics that establish essential features of a stone such as brilliance and durability . For our in-depth guide on Diamond Ring Cuts check out our website where you can also find out much more about Diamond Ring Shapes.
Even when a diamond has outstanding color and clarity, it will not show the sparkle that the stone is famous for, if its components do not play with light as they should; that is how essential a good cut is to a diamond’s beauty.
These are the characteristics of a good diamond cut:
Diamond Width and Depth
When we look at a diamond, we see the reflection of white light which is identified as the stone’s brilliance; this is largely influenced by the proportions of the stone’s width and depth. Provided here are further descriptions.
* Light is lost from the base of the stone when it moves through a shallow cut diamond and it does not back into light. Due to the insufficient light play, shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless.
* When light moves through a diamond that’s cut too deep, it goes out the sides, darkening all or certain parts of the stone.
* When light travels through an ideal cut diamond, it takes its brilliance into view since it bounces back out the top of the stone.
Diamond characteristics have in-betweens, so is it with cut.
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The Symmetry of Diamonds
The term symmetry describes the alignment of the diamond’s facets, its flat and polished surfaces. To achieve the best play of light, the facets should be cut.
Diamonds flash when moved in the light; this scintillation effect takes place when light bounces among the facets. The fireworks display is diminished if facets are misaligned because light will not reflect as it should.
When stones have symmetry grades of Fair and Poor, usually the facets are out of alignment, thereby not much impact on the play of light.
The Polish of Diamonds
For light to pass through them, the surface of the facets should be smooth as well as polished.
Issues Encountered With Diamond Cuts
* A culet is broken or damaged.
* A missing or off-center culet.
* Facets are in excess or out of alignment.
* Poor proportions due to a girdle that is too thick, or quickly damaged because it is simply too thin.
* Little cracks going into the diamond due to a fringed girdle.
* A table sloping to one side.
Get in touch with a reputable jewelry salesman when buying a diamond and ask questions concerning the diamond’s characteristics. Prior to making a deal, examine and compare as many stones as possible.
