Diamond Cuts

Diamonds are often referred to as “a girl’s best friend”, and for a good reason. These precious stones are one of the most sought-after gems in the world, prized for their beauty, rarity, and durability. But, did you know that the cut of a diamond is one of the most important factors that determine its beauty and value? In this article, we will explore the different types of diamond cuts and how they affect the overall appearance and value of a diamond.

What is a Diamond Cut?

When we talk about the cut of a diamond, we are referring to the angles, proportions, symmetry, and polish of the diamond. The cut of a diamond plays a critical role in its brilliance, fire, and scintillation, which are the three main factors that make a diamond sparkle. The cut is often considered the most crucial factor when it comes to diamond grading, accounting for up to 50% of the overall grade.

A well-cut diamond will reflect light internally and externally, creating a sparkling effect that captures the eye. The quality of a diamond cut can make a big difference in its appearance and value, even if it has perfect clarity and color grades. Diamonds that are poorly cut can appear dull and lifeless, with a lack of sparkle and brilliance.

Types of Diamond Cuts

There are several types of diamond cuts, each with its unique characteristics, beauty, and value. The most popular diamond cuts are the round brilliant cut, princess cut, emerald cut, cushion cut, and oval cut. Let’s take a closer look at each of these diamond cuts.

Round Brilliant Cut

The round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut, accounting for more than 75% of all diamonds sold today. This cut has 58 facets, including the table, crown, girdle, and pavilion. The round brilliant cut is designed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation, creating a beautiful and stunning appearance.

The round brilliant cut is a timeless classic that never goes out of style, making it a popular choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other diamond jewelry. A well-cut round brilliant diamond can have excellent light performance, making it one of the most valuable diamond cuts.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is a square or rectangular diamond cut that has pointed corners and 58 or 76 facets. This cut is the second most popular diamond cut and is often used in engagement rings, wedding bands, and other diamond jewelry. The princess cut is designed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation, creating a stunning appearance.

One of the benefits of the princess cut is that it can have a larger surface area than a round diamond of the same carat weight, making it appear more substantial. However, the princess cut can be more challenging to cut correctly, which can affect its overall appearance and value.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is a rectangular diamond cut that has step-like facets and an open table. This cut is known for its elegant and sophisticated appearance, making it a popular choice for diamond jewelry. The emerald cut is designed to showcase the diamond’s clarity, making it an excellent choice for diamonds with high clarity grades.

One of the benefits of the emerald cut is that it can make the diamond appear larger than it is, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget. However, the emerald cut can be less brilliant than other diamond cuts, which can affect its overall value.

Cushion Cut

The cushion cut is a square or rectangular diamond cut that has rounded corners and 58 or 64 facets. This cut is a vintage-inspired cut that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The cushion cut is designed to maximize the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation.