| So you're thinking about popping the "Big | | | | and forgo brilliance, with some practice you can |
| Question", or perhaps you are searching for that | | | | easily see that the diamond doesn't have as much |
| special diamond to celebrate many years of a | | | | fire or sparkle as other diamonds. You will see it |
| great marriage to a wonderful person. Whatever | | | | looks "dead" or has places where you can see |
| the occasion, you will want to read further so you | | | | through the bottom of the stone. When you see |
| can easily make the best decision possible | | | | this, you are witnessing the effect of light leaving |
| between the various diamonds you will encounter | | | | the diamond prematurely, before it has had a |
| in your quest for that perfect token of your love | | | | chance to reflect multiple times within the |
| and affection. You will be searching for a special | | | | diamond before exiting the top. This lack of "fire" |
| diamond which will make her instantly say "Yes" | | | | makes the diamond appear lifeless. When light |
| to your proposal or reaffirm to her that she | | | | exits the diamond after it has reflected within the |
| made the right decision many years ago when | | | | diamond many times, the "fire" is maximized. |
| she married you. | | | | The top of a diamond is called the crown and at |
| There is nothing quite like a properly cut diamond. | | | | the top of the crown lays the table. This is where |
| You can see it sparkle from across the room as | | | | you will see most of the "fire" coming from a |
| it beacons people to stare and pay attention to it | | | | diamond. The bottom two thirds of the diamond |
| and the person wearing it. A well cut diamond | | | | below the middle section or girdle is called the |
| exhibits the "Fire" or scintillation that makes a | | | | pavilion. The crown and pavilion of them have to |
| diamond unique among all other gemstones. The | | | | be cut in just the right proportions for the |
| overall appearance of it depends more on the Cut | | | | maximum brilliance to be seen in a diamond. Much |
| than on any other aspect of the 4 C's, including | | | | of a variation from the optimal guidelines results in |
| color, carat weight and clarity. A properly cut | | | | a diamond that is less brilliant than it could be. You |
| diamond can hide clarity characteristics or | | | | want to locate and possibly purchase one that is |
| blemishes; it can mask color deficiencies and can | | | | cut properly and thus shows the maximum |
| affect the visual determination of weight. A | | | | amount of "fire" possible. |
| properly cut diamond is something to behold and it | | | | A diamond's cut is very important. However, the |
| is the most important aspect you should consider | | | | color and clarity of a diamond is important as well. |
| when purchasing a diamond engagement ring, | | | | It just happens that a diamond's cut is the most |
| anniversary ring etc. | | | | important. When you look at a diamond from the |
| With 58 facets on a typical round brilliant cut | | | | table or top of the diamond, you don't want to be |
| diamond that is cut with the proper dimensions, | | | | able to see anything through the bottom of the |
| light often bounces around each facet multiple | | | | diamond except sparkle or "fire". You don't want |
| times before exiting the stone. This gives the | | | | to see your hand, the ring, newsprint when held |
| "Fire" or sparkle that is so indicative of diamonds. | | | | over a magazine etc. If you make sure that you |
| However, to maximize this fire or brilliance, the | | | | see nothing but brilliance, then most likely you |
| upper portion and the lower section of each | | | | have a properly cut diamond. Then you can |
| diamond needs to be cut with the correct | | | | compare its color, carat weight and clarity to see |
| proportions and angles to maximize the diamond's | | | | if it is the perfect diamond for you. |
| brilliance. If diamond rough (the term used for | | | | Hopefully this introduction to the cut of a diamond |
| diamonds before they are cut) doesn't allow for a | | | | will assist you in your search for the perfect |
| properly cut diamond in the size range that the | | | | stone. With many people spending two month's |
| cutter is hoping for, they have essentially two | | | | salary on a diamond, this is an important decision |
| choices. They can sacrifice brilliance and cut the | | | | not to be taken lightly. They are special because |
| stone to their desired weight or they can sacrifice | | | | of the brilliance they can display. Unlike any other |
| size and cut it in the dimensions that maximize its | | | | gemstone, diamonds are in a class of their own |
| fire. Other choices may be to make a "fancy" or | | | | when it comes to sparkle. If you don't get the |
| different than round shape for the diamond, which | | | | most "fire" possible, you are missing out. Just |
| may maximize size and maintain the diamond's | | | | make sure you follow the guidelines above and |
| brilliance. | | | | you will walk away happy with your diamond |
| If a diamond cutter chooses to maximize weight | | | | purchase. |