| When considering the transformation of a rough | | | | that the finished diamond has large amounts of |
| diamond into a polished gemstone, many people | | | | brilliance and internal fire. However, if a diamond |
| confuse the term "cut" with "shape". | | | | rough lends itself to this particular cut but it has a |
| The cut of a diamond refers to the how many | | | | highly localised flaw which cannot be masked by |
| facets there are in the finished gemstone and | | | | clarity enhancement, than the diamond cutter |
| how they are proportioned. The skill and precision | | | | may be able to shape the Round Brilliant into a |
| of the faceting affects the fire and sparkle of a | | | | Heart shape. |
| gemstone, making it look dull or flash with fire. | | | | Similarly, diamond roughs which favour the Oval |
| The most common cuts are Round Brilliant, | | | | cut and the Marquise cut in different areas can be |
| Princess, Oval, Baguette, Trillion and Marquise. | | | | expertly shaped into Pear shapes. |
| The shape of a diamond is the overall outline of | | | | Because the standard of the cut is of exceptional |
| the gemstone. Whilst it is determined to a very | | | | importance in making a diamond valuable, diamond |
| large extent by the proportions of the faceting of | | | | cutters can become very skilled. Most common |
| a particular cut, the two terms are not | | | | cuts can be improved for individual gemstones, by |
| interchangeable. Different shapes have different | | | | trimming or rounding corners, or by adding extra |
| proportions and dimensions which will suggest a | | | | facets or even by cleaving an entire area of the |
| specific way of faceting the gemstone for best | | | | diamond. In fact some jewelers become so |
| appearance, depending on the particular diamond | | | | closely associated with their specialised cuts that |
| size and shape. | | | | they license it under a brand name. Examples of |
| Whilst the actual cut of the diamond will be | | | | these cuts are Assher, Crisscross, Lily, Hearts on |
| dictated by the size and proportions of the | | | | Fire and Leo. |
| diamond rough, the finished shape is often decided | | | | Whilst these specialised cuts often look extremely |
| by the diamond cutter. This is because the cutter | | | | good in engagement rings, you should bear in mind |
| must consider the initial shape of the raw stone | | | | that they are made much more expensive |
| and any flaws that must be removed. | | | | because of the brand name and because more of |
| For example, one of the most common cuts of all | | | | the rough diamond is lost in the cutting process. |
| is the Round Brilliant cut. In this cut the 57 facets | | | | And that is something to bear in mind when |
| and proportions of the finished gemstone are | | | | buying a diamond engagement ring! |
| mathematically calculated for optical brilliance so | | | | |