How Important Is The Cut of a Diamond? - By: jacksmith

It pays to do some research when you find yourself in the market to buy a diamond, and this article is designed to help you find out what the cut of diamond is and how that is just one of the important and complex factors deciding its value.
It is the craftsmanship and skill of a master diamond cutter that determines how well it will sparkle and how valuable it will be in the years to come. Diamond cutting is still done by hand, and even the slightest error or slip of the hand can greatly affect the beauty and value of the finished product. Diamonds are cut to precise formula to produce the highest fire and brilliance.
When correctly cut, a diamond will sparkle at any angle as it moves. This effect is referred to as scintillation and it reflect rainbows of colour through its facets – known in the industry as “fire” or “dispersion”. A diamond has 5 distinct parts:-
The Girdle: is the “fat” part, is the point of contact between the diamond and the setting.
The Crown: Naturally this is the top of the diamond
The Table or Face: is the biggest facet and that is where the light shows the most
The Pavilion: is all the section below the girdle, it provides all the refraction (or sparkle).
The Culet: is the very bottom of the diamond. It can be either a pinpoint or a facet.
There are several shapes that diamonds are cut into and all except the classic round are known as a “fancy cut” diamonds. Some of the popular fancy shapes are the Princess, the Marquise, the Pear, the Heart, the Emerald, the Oval and the Radiant. When you go out shopping it would be helpful if you were familiar with these names, so here is the short version of the description for each shape:-
The Princess Style: A square shape depending on how the pavilion is cut. This style is suited to long, slim fingers and is very popular in a solitaire ring setting.
The Marquise Style: is cut long and the ends are pointed. It makes a beautiful solitaire or pendant.
The Oval Style: is an even symmetrical shape and suits smaller hands as it gives the fingers an elongated appearance.
The Pear Style: is a shape that combines the oval and marquise styles. It looks like a teardrop and makes a lovely pendant and earrings.
The Heart Style: is a like the pear shape with a bifurcated top. Makes the perfect matching pendent and earrings.
The Emerald Style: is an oblong shape with the corners cut. The step cut really does resemble stair steps. Flaws in colour and inclusions can be more noticeable in this cut.
The Radiant Style: can be a rectangular or square shape and combines the round and emerald shapes to maximize the effect of colour refraction.
The Classical Round: this shape has set the standard for all diamond shapes and is the most popular diamond.
To ensure the value of your purchase, receiving a “diamond certificate” is essential. It is a document, a bit like a passport as it lists the characteristics of the stone, outlining its weight, measurements, cut, quality, and value. A diamond is a life time investment that can provide daily pleasure.
The most respected diamond grading labs are GIA (Gemological Institute of America), HRD Antwerp, AGS (American Gem Society)
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