The Definition of the Ideal Diamond Cut

Diamonds are very valuable natural stones which are usually found deep in mines underground. When a diamond is first retrieved, it may look rough and almost unrecognizable to the naked eye. What makes diamonds so precious is not necessarily the way they appear at first glance, but really the way they are cut. A diamond cut does not refer to its shape or its size, but rather its proportions, which means it depth, width, and facets. All of these factors combined are what give diamonds their beauty, brilliance, clarity, and value. There are many different types of diamond cuts, and a professional jeweler is able to easily identify them and determine a diamond’s actual worth or value. A perfect diamond will have what is known as an ideal cut. This means that it will allow light that shines into the stone to bounce back out, giving it the wonderful brilliance that so many of us adore. A well cut diamond will have what is called symmetry. In terms of diamonds, symmetry means that the facets are all aligned and flat as well as polished properly. The facets in a diamond are what give it its ability to refract and reflect light to its optimum potential. In addition, all facets should be polished perfectly smooth so that light can pass through each one easily, giving it a sparkling shine.

Another term in diamond cutting is called scintillation. Scintillation is simply the way that the light flashes from the diamond in all directions. There are many different types and names of cuts given to diamonds, but the most popular of all is called the round brilliant cut. This option is most often chosen because it is a fairly easy shape to mount to jewelry, and the simplest to cut. Fancy cuts can give a diamond much more shine and brilliance, and involve a lot more facets. The downside of fancier cuts is that they can often reduce a diamond’s original size significantly. Within the realm of fancy cuts is also many different types and names of cuts. A certified gemologist can make cuts, and also determine the main factors involved in assessing a diamond’s value. Color and clarity are perhaps the two most important, along with weight and the absence of any imperfections. The origin of diamond cutting can be traced back as far as the Middle Ages, when it was considered a very difficult and highly skilled art. It still is today, however new technology such as the use of lasers has made the diamond cutting process much more robotic and slightly less personal. If you are in the market for a diamond, be sure to purchase it from an authorized retailer only. In addition, it’s good to check that the merchant only carries diamonds that are certified by the AGA (Accredited Gem Appraisals). This way, you can be certain your investment is a good one, and that your diamond will provide many years of high quality, sparkling brilliance with an ideal cut.

SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_cut#Round_brilliant
http://jewelry.about.com/cs/thefourcs/a/diamond_cut.htm