| Diamonds are graded according to cut, color, | | | | commonly used to produce round diamond |
| clarity and carat. Of these, many people focus on | | | | shapes. |
| clarity (are there visible inclusions spoiling the look | | | | A step cut results in four sided "step" facets |
| of the diamond?) and carat weight (how big is it?) | | | | being cut into the diamond. The facets are sloped |
| when choosing a diamond. However, the cut of a | | | | around the gemstone to maximize the light |
| diamond is perhaps even more important. | | | | entering the diamond, producing a luminous quality. |
| "Cut" is commonly thought to mean the shape of | | | | Step cuts are typically used to produce emerald |
| a diamond. Each diamond is cut into a specific | | | | and princess shape diamonds. |
| shape according to its internal dimensions, flaws | | | | Antique cuts are actually a varied range of cuts |
| etc, to maximize its sparkle. This is because the | | | | which are used to fashion intricate shapes into the |
| different diamond cuts each have different | | | | diamond and to give an old world feel to fancy |
| properties of internal reflection and refraction, | | | | diamond shapes. Patented cuts allow the light to |
| which allow light passing into the diamond to split | | | | pass through the diamond for superb brilliance in |
| and reflect. This, even more than clarity, | | | | diamonds which have sharp cornered facets in the |
| determines whether a diamond sparkles, or looks | | | | gemstone shape, such as marquises. |
| dull. | | | | When you choose a diamond, it is important to |
| The commonest shape is the round. But other | | | | choose a shape that will keep stay contemporary |
| commonly found shapes are the oval, baguette, | | | | for years to come. Not everyone, likes princess |
| square cut, princess (square modified brilliant cut), | | | | diamonds. And the stylized pear and heart shapes |
| pear, octagon, emerald (rectangular cut), trillion | | | | can look dated after a while. So if you are |
| (rounded triangle shape), marquise and heart cuts. | | | | choosing a diamond for a significant piece of |
| There are several others too. | | | | jewelry, such as an engagement ring, choose a |
| In fact, the "cut" of a diamond refers to the | | | | classic cut. |
| proportions of the shape. The most common | | | | However, you must also consider the quality of |
| types of cut are brilliant cuts, step cuts, antique | | | | the cut. Poorly cut diamonds have imprecise |
| cut and patent cuts. Every shape has a particular | | | | facets which do not reflect and refract the light |
| proportion of certain of these cuts. They allow | | | | properly. As a result the gemstone looks dull. |
| the light to reflect off each facet and internal | | | | Make sure you get all the information you can |
| surface of the diamond. For example, the brilliant | | | | from the jeweler about the diamond you are |
| cut uses triangles and kite shapes to produce the | | | | considering. And always go for a diamond which |
| maximum ratio of brilliance and fire. It is | | | | has been cut well. |