Diamond Cut
The way a diamond has been
cut indicates it’s physical shape. The cut of a diamond is the only one
of the 4Cs that is not determined by nature. The intricate operation of
transforming a rough stone to a uniquely cut and polished diamond is a
lengthy and challenging process. Each stone has to be examined
thoroughly before a skilled polisher can release the diamond’s full
brilliance. Based on scientific formulas, a premium cut diamond will
internally reflect light from one facet to another; A premium cut
diamond will always have more sparkle than others. Diamonds that are
cut either too deep or too shallow can lose light through the sides and
bottom and will be less brilliant and ultimately of less value.
Each stone loses, on average, more than
half of its original weight during cutting and polishing. A typical
Round Brilliant diamond has 58 facets. Polishers adhere to specific
formats to bring out the best for the diamond. (See below)
Cut also refers to the shape of a
diamond. Whether it be round, heart, square, pear, etc. Below are
examples of different diamond shaped cuts.
The most brilliant diamonds are going
to be round in shape as this relates to the symmetry and capability of
the diamond to reflect nearly all the light that enters it. None round
diamonds are referred to as “fancy shapes”, they have their own
individual guidelines to consider for being considered well cut.
   
Diamond cut is perhaps the most important of the four Cs, so it is important to understand how this quality affects the properties and values of a diamond. A good cut gives a diamond its brilliance, which is that brightness that seems to come from the very heart of a diamond. The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance.
Disecting a Diamond
Table - This is the large, flat top facet of a diamond.
Crown - The upper portion of a cut gemstone, above the girdle.
Girdle - The narrow rim of a diamond that separates the crown from the pavilion. It is the largest diameter to any part of the stone.
Pavilion - The lower portion of the diamond, below the girdle. It is sometimes referred to as the base.
Culet - The tiny facet on the pointed bottom of the pavilion, which is the portion of a cut gem below the girdle.
Depth- The height of a gemstone, from the culet to the table.
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