TYES OF DIAMONDS

TYPES OF DIAMONDS

All types of diamond cuts have very specific geometric formulas that have been devised and perfected by master cutters over the decades. The modern brilliant cut (the most widely used cut in the world) was invented in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. This diamond cut calls for 57 or 58 facets, each of which is applied to cover a precise surface at a particular angle. (Incidentally, the table is the name of the flat top of a brilliant cut diamond; this table is also a brilliant cut’s largest facet. Opposite the table is the cutlet, the tiny, flat facet that sits at the very bottom of a brilliant cut.) Brilliant-cut diamonds come in a variety of shapes, including round (the most popular), oval, pear, marquise and heart trill or radiant.

The princess cut is another name for a brilliant-cut diamond shaped in a square, while the emerald cut refers to a variation of the brilliant cut in which oblong facets are applied to a rectangle-shaped diamond. A diamond can be described as "flawless" only if it has no visible surface cracks or other imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a skilled diamond grader.

Diamonds: ROUND
The Classic Cut: the vast majority of diamonds sold are rounds. The traditional choice for all occasions and preferred by many for their personal investment portfolio. The depth percentage should range between 58 to 63 percent and the table percentage should range between 55 to 64 percent. The most desired percentages are the 60 percent, and perfectionists will look for depth of 59 through 62 percent and table of 56 through 58 percent.

Diamonds: PRINCESS
The Princess Cut Diamond ia a brilliant style shape with sharp, uncut corners. It is typically cut square rather as a rectangle. Brilliant style refers to vertical direction crown and pavilion facets instead of step style horizontaled facets. A princess Cut Diamond generally has 76 facets, giving it more brilliance and fire than the round brilliant. The Princess Cut diamond is fast becoming one of the most popular cuts in the United States.

Diamonds: EMERALD
An emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. The flat planes of the outside edges allow for a variety of side stones shapes. Typical pairings would be two or three side baguetts, two half-moons, and other smaller emeralds, but not trillions ,as their sparkle makes the center emerald cut look flat. The length-to-width ratio should be between 1.5:1 to 1.75:1.

Diamonds: PEAR
The pear shaped brilliant diamond is based upon the traditional configuration of the round brilliant diamond. More than other fancy shapes, length-to-width ratio is a matter of taste when it comes to pear shaped diamonds. Because pears may be used for engagement rings, suites in necklaces, dangles in earrings, and integral parts of custom designs, a wide variety of shapes is considered desirable. The typical pear shaped diamond will contain 58 facets.

Diamonds: RADIANT
The Radiant Cut Diamond is a straight-edged rectangular or square stone with cut corners. The radiant cut diamond has 62-70 facets. Radiants are principally used for important center stones primarily for rings but also for pendant. They are rarely used for earrings or as side stones because they are hard to calibrate and match. To get matched pairs you may have to sort through a hundred stones or re-cut to calibrate. Emerald - an emerald cut diamond shape is usually rectangular. The flat planes of the outside edges allow for a variety of side stones shapes. Typical pairing would be two or three side baguetts, two half-moons and other smaller emeralds but not trillions as their sparkle makes the center emerald cut look flat. The length-to-width ratio should be between 1.5:1 to 1.75:1,.Popular diamond Cuts : cushion cut diamonds ideal cut diamonds princess cut diamonds asscher cut diamonds emerald cut diamonds

Diamonds may be treated to improve their appearance. Since these treatments improve the clarity of the diamond, some jewelers refer to them as clarity enhancement.