Diamond Cut
A diamond’s cut refers not only to its shape, but also to how effectively it reflects and returns light to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond enhances brilliance and fire, creating a lively sparkle, while a poorly cut stone may appear dark or dull, regardless of its color or clarity.
Expert cutting also plays an important role in how large a diamond appears. Well-proportioned diamonds often look bigger and brighter than other stones of the same carat weight. An ideal cut offers the perfect balance of brilliance, size, and light performance, making it one of the most important factors when choosing a diamond.
Expert cutting also plays an important role in how large a diamond appears. Well-proportioned diamonds often look bigger and brighter than other stones of the same carat weight. An ideal cut offers the perfect balance of brilliance, size, and light performance, making it one of the most important factors when choosing a diamond.
Diamond Color
When selecting a diamond, stones with minimal color are generally preferred for their purity and brilliance. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z and classified into five categories: colorless, near colorless, faint, very light, and light. While diamonds naturally occur in a wide range of colors, the most common tint observed is yellow, caused by trace amounts of nitrogen within the stone.
Diamond Carat
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond rather than its size. Historically, diamonds were weighed using carob seeds, valued for their consistent and uniform weight. The term “carat” is derived from the word carob, which remains the standard unit of measurement for diamond weight today.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity refers to the presence of natural inclusions and blemishes within a stone. Choosing a diamond without visible inclusions helps preserve both its beauty and durability. For a completely eye-clean appearance, diamonds graded VS2 or higher are recommended. SI-grade diamonds can also offer excellent value, though expert review is advised to ensure quality and appearance.
Shape of Diamonds
Asscher Diamonds
Asscher-cut diamonds feature a distinctive square shape with trimmed corners and elegant step-cut facets. Their high crown and layered facets create exceptional brilliance, often surpassing other step cuts such as the emerald cut. With a clean, modern look, Asscher diamonds shine beautifully in solitaire settings and pair effortlessly with vintage-inspired designs.
Round Diamonds
Diamond shape describes the outline or form of a diamond and is often one of the first features considered when choosing a stone. Round diamonds remain the most popular shape due to their timeless appeal and exceptional brilliance, though many couples are also attracted to the unique character of fancy-shaped diamonds.
Princess Diamonds
Princess-cut diamonds are the second most popular diamond shape, admired for their brilliant sparkle and modern square silhouette. Combining the fire of a round brilliant with a contemporary design, princess diamonds offer versatility and complement a wide range of ring styles.
Cushion Diamonds
Cushion-cut diamonds feature a square or rectangular shape with softly rounded corners, creating a romantic and elegant appearance. Inspired by the classic old mine cut, this timeless shape has been refined over centuries. Cushion diamonds offer exceptional versatility and look beautiful in both modern and vintage-inspired settings.
Emerald Diamonds
Emerald-cut diamonds are admired for their sophisticated, elongated shape and timeless elegance. Their step-cut facets and shallow crown highlight the stone’s clarity, while broad reflective surfaces enhance its luster and natural color, creating a refined and graceful look.
Pear Diamonds
Pear-shaped diamonds feature a graceful blend of a rounded end and a tapered point, creating a flattering and elegant silhouette. Combining elements of the marquise and round brilliant cuts, this distinctive shape is designed to highlight sparkle. Proper symmetry is essential to ensure balanced beauty and maximum brilliance.
Radiant Diamonds
Radiant cut diamonds combine the elegant outline of an emerald cut with the brilliance and fire of a round brilliant cut. Designed with faceted corners and a deep pavilion, this shape maximizes sparkle, though it typically requires greater depth to achieve optimal brilliance.
Oval Diamonds
Oval-shaped diamonds offer a balanced, symmetrical design with brilliance comparable to round diamonds. This elegant variation on the classic round brilliant features an elongated shape that can create the appearance of greater size. Versatile and timeless, oval diamonds are prized for their refined sparkle and distinctive beauty.
Heart Diamonds
Heart shaped diamonds are a timeless symbol of love and romance. Defined by two perfectly balanced halves, this distinctive shape creates a bold and elegant sparkle. Especially popular in Claddagh designs, heart shaped diamonds offer a unique and meaningful look for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Marquise Diamonds
Marquise shaped diamonds are distinguished by pointed ends and a gracefully curved center, creating a striking and elegant silhouette. Known for offering one of the largest surface appearances among diamond shapes, the marquise cut enhances perceived size and adds a distinctive touch to any ring setting.
The Diamond Anatomy
A diamond is composed of two primary sections: the crown and the pavilion. The proportions and relationship between these areas—particularly the table and depth percentages—play a crucial role in how effectively a diamond reflects light and produces sparkle.
The round brilliant cut is often used as the standard example, as cut grading for fancy-shaped diamonds is more complex and typically not listed on grading reports such as those issued by the GIA.
The round brilliant cut is often used as the standard example, as cut grading for fancy-shaped diamonds is more complex and typically not listed on grading reports such as those issued by the GIA.
Diamond Care
Depending on the setting, diamond engagement and wedding rings can be cleaned using warm water and mild dish soap, a method best suited for prong and cathedral settings. Soaking pavé or basket settings should be avoided, as it may loosen stones. Gently clean the metal with a soft cloth or cotton swab, rinse thoroughly, and repeat only if necessary, always handling jewelry with care to preserve its beauty and durability.
