| When gemologists use the term 'cut' they're not | | | | If you start educating yourself ahead of time, |
| referring to a diamond's shape. They're referring | | | | you'll know the right questions to ask about the |
| to a diamond's proportions - its depth, width, and | | | | diamond's cut. The most common types of cut |
| uniformity. Unless a diamond is cut properly, the | | | | you'll find in a diamond are brilliant cuts, step cuts, |
| light will travel out the bottom or sides and not | | | | antique cuts, and patent cuts. |
| sparkle. The diamonds will appear to be lifeless. | | | | Round diamonds usually have the brilliant cut which |
| The sparkle that we expect from a diamond | | | | uses triangles and kite shapes in the cutting of the |
| relies heavily on its cut. The shapes that you'll find | | | | diamond itself. The benefit of this cut is that it |
| are round, pear, oval, princess, trillion, heart, and | | | | allows the light to refract off each facet of cut |
| emerald cuts. When choosing a diamond, keep the | | | | on the diamond and enables it to bounce from |
| wearer in mind. Are their fingers short and stubby | | | | one corner to another - giving the diamond its |
| or long and lean? Find a shape that is | | | | brilliant sparkle. |
| complementary. | | | | A step cut is often seen in emerald-shaped |
| Once you have decided on a shape, should you | | | | diamonds. In this method the diamond is cut into |
| just settle on the prettiest looking ring in the | | | | four-sided facets, giving the step look. The facets |
| shape you want? Only if you don't care about | | | | in the step cut are created in a sloping fashion to |
| getting a quality diamond for your money. | | | | catch the light for a luminous quality. |
| When you buy a stock, you don't choose one | | | | Another cut, the antique cut, is fashioned in many |
| because you like the look of its logo. Buying a | | | | different ways. No matter how it's done, the |
| diamond can be an emotional journey, but it is | | | | antique cut carves intricate designs into the stone |
| also an investment in your future, so don't take it | | | | to give an old world feel to round, oval, and odd |
| lightly. Educate yourself before you make a | | | | shaped ones - like those made to look like an |
| purchase. | | | | opening rose bud. |
| Do your research and check each company out | | | | Yet another option is the patented cut. Diamonds |
| that you're interested in to see who has a solid | | | | cut in this style have several sharp cornered |
| reputation might help you save money. When | | | | facets set into the stone. This allows the light to |
| buying a diamond, you should look at many | | | | be absorbed and reflected so the diamond has a |
| stones to see how well the cut and clarity stands | | | | brilliant illumination. Keep in mind that regardless of |
| up to inspection. | | | | shape, a poorly cut diamonds will appear lifeless. |