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How well does your diamond dance in the light? The answer lies in how it is cut. Cut is arguably the most crucial of the 4Cs when it comes to fire, sparkle and brilliance; it refers to the diamond’s proportions (how the diamond's angles and facets relate to one another), symmetry (the precision of its cut) and polish (the condition of your diamond's surface). Cut is also associated with the shape of your diamond.
All diamonds have five basic components. The table is the uppermost facet, or the flat surface on the top of the diamond. The crown is the section of facets between the table and the midsection of the diamond. The girdle is the horizontal midsection and widest part of the diamond. The pavilion is the section of facets between the girdle and the bottom tip of the diamond. The culet is the bottom tip of the stone. A traditional round brilliant diamond consists of 58 facets, 33 in the crown and 25 in the pavilion.
In a well-proportioned and symmetrical diamond, light will enter and exit through the crown to the eye. A poorly cut diamond, however, allows too much light to escape through the sides and bottom. As a result, a diamond with a poor cut will appear dull, even if it has good color and clarity.
Most diamonds are cut in three basic styles:Brilliant-cut diamonds include round, oval, pear, heart, and marquise-cut diamonds.
Step-cut diamonds feature rows of facets positioned in a step-like fashion. Most step-cut diamonds have four sides and a rectangular shape, such as emerald-cut and baguette.
Mixed-cut diamonds combine the qualities of the brilliant and step-cuts. The most popular is the princess-cut (or radiant-cut)
Choosing a shape is truly a matter of personal style, although there are some basic guidelines:
Round Brilliant-cut: For those who are traditional by nature. Round is by far the most popular shape. Its design has been developed over the last hundred years. The round brilliant-cut best features a diamond's fire, sparkle and brilliance.For those who favor contemporary style, princess-cut diamonds are a good choice. Princess-cut diamonds are quickly gaining in popularity.
Marquise diamonds are especially flattering for women with slender fingers.
Heart-shaped diamonds are a truly romantic and unique choice.
Emerald-cut diamonds are excellent for women whose taste runs more to the classic.
Pear-shaped cut (or teardrop) offers a unique way to express yourself.
Oval-shaped diamonds have an original beauty and are preferred for women who want to break with tradition.