How To Purchase Diamond Jewelry

The Gemological Institute of America puts diamond cuts into three basic categories, depending on the style and arrangement of their facets. Brilliant cuts Step cuts mixed cuts Brilliant Cut Basics. Brilliant cut stones have numerous facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. The facets radiate outwards and are positioned so that the light coming through them interplays in such a way to best enhance the diamond's brilliance. Round is the most popular diamond shape, and the round brilliant cut is probably the most popular version of that shape. Today's round brilliant diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you'll see the technique and varying facet numbers in vintage diamonds. Another very popular brilliant cut is the princess cut diamond, a square gemstone. Sure, you have to cut a diamond to make it a shape, but when gemologists say cut, they are talking about a gemstone's proportions, such as its depth and width and the uniformity of its facets all characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other features we look for in a diamond. A good cut is essential to a diamond's beauty, because even a diamond with outstanding color and clarity will not display the sparkle that diamonds are famous for if its components don't interact with light as they should. The proportions of width and depth have a large impact on diamond brilliance, the reflection of white light that we see when we look at a diamond. Refer to the graphic on this page as you read the following descriptions. Light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone, not bouncing back into our sight. The lack of light play makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless. Light traveling through a diamond that's cut too deep escapes out the sides, darkening all or portions of the stone. Light traveling through an ideal cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view. The graphic illustrates extremes. As with other diamond characteristics, there are in-betweens for cuts quality. Symmetry is a term that refers to the alignment of a diamond's facets, its flat and polished surfaces. The facets should be cut to achieve the best play of light. You've seen diamonds flash when you move them in the light that effect is called scintillation and it occurs when light bounces among the facets. Light doesn't reflect as it should if facets are misaligned, diminishing the fireworks display. Diamonds graded Fair and Poor for symmetry usually have facets that are misaligned enough to affect the play of light. The surface of the facets should be smooth and polished so that light can pass through them. This is what you should look for when purchasing a diamond for any type of jewelry.

How To Purchase Diamond Jewelry

Discuss It!

Most Popular Articles

Marketplace

Related Articles

Related Categories

Recently Added

You Recently Visited

Other Great Sites