Making the “Cut”
It’s the holiday season and everyone knows that diamonds make the perfect gift, as they are recognized as the ultimate symbol of romance and love. One of the most important considerations when buying diamonds is the cut, which defines the diamond’s shape and radiance. The shape of the original stone and it’s quality determines which shape the rough diamond can be cut. You could have a fabulous flawless stone, both internally and externally, but if the cut is done poorly, it could spell disaster for that diamond and essentially make it a lot less valuable. If it is done well, however, the diamond’s inner fire will shine through, making whatever piece of jewelry exceptional.
What are the Different Cuts?
As mentioned before, the cut determines the shape of the diamond and there are a wide variety of shapes you can choose from. When shopping for a diamond, you need to do your homework – or work with a very knowledgeable and reputable jeweler. There are over 16,000 different classifications of diamonds, although the basic shapes are more a reflection of personal taste and preferences.
Round is considered to be the most popular shape of cuts and the most classic. With its 58-facet-cut, the round diamond has set the standard for all other diamond shapes and accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold. For ages, diamond cutters all over the world have been working to make sure that maximum brilliance and shine is reached with this shape. This cut offers flexibility, but will retain the brilliance and shine you are looking for.
Marquis is an elongated shape with pointed ends. It is the ideal shape if you are looking for a diamond that looks larger than its carat weight. This cut can be used as a solitare or mixed and matched with other shapes.
Emerald cut diamonds are a rectangular shape with cut corners, also known as the step cut due to its concentric broad, flat planes that resemble stair steps. Inclusions and inferior color are more pronounced in this particular cut, so you will need to be careful to select a diamond with superior clarity and color. A clarity plot should be available and you should check the certificate.
Radiant cut diamonds are square or rectangular and combine the elegance of the emerald cut with the brillance of the round. With its 70 facets, the effect of color refraction is maximized. The radiant cut requires more weight to be directed toward the diamond’s dept in order to maximize its brillance. The rectangular shape in these diamonds can vary considerably, so make sure that you take a look at the length to width ratio.
Pear shaped diamonds are cut brilliantly so that maximum shine can be reached. They are what is considered a hybrid cut – combining the best of the oval and the marquis. This is also called a teardrop diamond because the shape, obviously, is very similar to the shape of a teardrop. This shape is considered unique and is used in a variety of jewelry designs, especially rings and earrings.
Princess is one of the most popular diamonds that are not round in shape. This cut stands out in a crowd because of its shape and brilliance, being square or rectangular in shape. In colored diamonds, the brilliance will be exceptional and you will be able to see the color that you select in the corners of the stone.
Oval diamonds, like round diamonds, have a brilliance that the onlooker will fall in love with. A traditional oval diamond’s length to width ratio will be between 1.33 and 1.66. Created in the late 50’s – early 60’s, the oval brilliant cut is an eliptical variation of the more common round brilliant.
Trilliant cuts are unique and used because these diamonds are cut into the shape of a triangle, making the stone’s shine more brilliant. The unique triangle form traditionally has 50 facets and the sides of are cut in equal dimensions, although the exact design can vary depending on the particular diamond’s natural characteristics and the cutter’s personal preferences.
Heart shape is one of the most distinctive cuts of all the diamonds. The “fancy” shape is unique and seen as romantic making it a favorite. The length and width of the diamond will vary, so the size of the heart and the broadness will vary as well. It is clear that the skill of the cutter determines the beauty of the cut. When choosing a heart shaped diamond, you will want to stone with an even shape and a well-defined outline.
Asscher is a unique shape that almost looks like an emerald cut, but its shape is more square. Developed in 1902 by the Assher Brothers of Holland, the stepped square cut has recently become very popular. Many stars and celebrities have been seen wearing jewelry that have stones with this shape, which has added to the popularity of the cut. The certification and depth ratio should be viewed while making a purchase for one of these diamonds.
Cushion shaped diamonds have been around for hundreds of years and are known as “pillow cut” diamonds and generally appear as square or rectangular. The corners are rounded and the facets are cu larger to increase the diamond’s radiance. This antique style of cut looks like a cross between an Old Mine Cut that was common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and a modern oval cut. The large facets help improve the clarity of the stone. Cushion shaped diamonds are becoming very popular.
At McCaskill and Company…
You can find incredible diamond jewelry from various designers to include Kwiat, Henri Daussi, Oscar Heyman, Daniel K, Christopher Designs, Louis Glick… as well as our own Signature Collection. McCaskill & Company owner, Bill Campbell, and Sales Manager, David Kirk, are both GIA certified in diamonds and share a fanatical passion and facination with diamonds. We pride ourselves in selecting the highest quality diamonds within a very wide range of prices. We are open Monday through Staurday from 10AM- 5:30PM (CST), and are located at 13390 Highway 98 West Destin, Florida 32550.
