Diamond Cut Types
Diamonds are classified and valued according to the so called 4 Cs classifications. These classifications include the diamond’s Clarity, Carat, Color and Cut. Clarity is based on the presence/absence or the magnitude of inclusions and blemishes in the stone. Carat is the unit weight for diamonds (and other gemstones) which can also be expressed as points (hundredths of a carat). Color is expressed based on the type/quantity of chemical impurities and structural imperfections. And the last but the least is the cut.
Diamond cut does not only correspond to the shape (e.g. oval, pear, round etc.) of the diamond. It also refers to the step by step process or guide in shaping the gemstone. It includes the symmetry and the polishing of the diamond’s physical parts. Polishing refers to the smoothness of the stone surface, which is important in creating a brilliant surface. Symmetry refers to the balance of the surface. The stone’s symmetry affects the amount of light that is absorbed and reflected by the stone. A well balanced and well polished cut produces a brilliant diamond.
Types of diamond cuts
Round brilliant
Round brilliant cut is the most popular diamond cut. Diamonds that are cut in this way are very popular to buyers because of their durability. The modern round brilliant cut has 58 facets. The 58 facets are subdivided into 33 facets on the crown and 25 facets on the pavilion. The older cuts on the other hand vary on the number of their facets.
Fancy cuts
Generally, the type of diamond cut to use is generally influenced by the shape of the original stone. This is to minimize losses. The round brilliant cut is ideal for octahedron-shaped stones. However, for stones that are irregular in shapes, the fancy cuts are ideal. Fancy cuts are able to maximize the carat weight of irregular-shaped stones. They also help improve the diamonds’ clarity by lessening or removing the inclusions and blemishes. Examples of fancy cuts include:
- Modified brilliants
Modified brilliant cut is the most popular cut under the fancy cuts. From the name itself, modified brilliant cut is the modification of round brilliant cut in to a wide array of shapes. The shapes may differ between the two types of cuts, but their facets number and arrangement remain the same. As a result, modified cut diamonds still possess that brilliance effect making them very popular. Examples of modified brilliant cuts are oval, pear or drop cuts, marquise or navette, heart, and triangular trillion. - Step cuts
Diamonds which are cut in these ways have rectangular or square outlines. Their facets are also aligned and in parallel to the girdle. Their corners are cut, which are responsible for the bright, shiny and clear appearance. Examples of step cuts are rectangular baguette, square, triangle, kite, trapezoid, and obus cuts - Mixed cuts
Mixed cuts are examples of the newest diamond cuts where features of the brilliant and the steps cuts are combined. This means that mixed cut diamonds retain their brilliance (from the brilliant cut) and at the same time preserved their low weight losses and dimensions (from the step cuts). Because of these features, mixed cut diamonds are increasingly popular. In fact, mixed cuts diamonds are slowly replacing the very well known round brilliant cuts in the market. Examples of mixed cuts are Barion, Radiant and Princess cuts. Commercially, the Princess cut is the most successful one. - Rose cuts
Rose cuts diamonds have been available since the middle of the 16th century. They are examples of the oldest type of diamond cuts. Basically, a rose cut diamond is characterized by a flat base and a triangular facets crown, which are arranged symmetrically. To make it more attractive, the rectangular facets rise to form a point.Rose cut diamonds are not that popular these days. They are normally associated with antique jewelries. Examples of rose cuts are the hexagonal-shaped or Antwerp, oval-shaped or biolette and the double Dutch.
Diamond Cut Video
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Diamond Shapes
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