Diamonds are one of the world’s most prized treasures - but they don’t come out of the Earth looking like a million bucks! In fact, they look like… well, rocks. The appearance is dull, and it is in the hands of cutters that the true beauty is revealed.
Diamond cutting has been in practice since at least the 14th century. Before that, they were polished to enhance some of the shine. In the centuries since, techniques have evolved, as has the skill of expert cutters. A large, brilliant cut diamond is, in many ways, the culmination of this mastery.
Brilliant Cut Diamond Definition
Many of us regard diamonds as magical objects! They are simply stunning, and brilliant cuts are designed to maximize the appeal of the stone: the shine, the sparkle, and the elegance.
When talking about the brilliant cut diamond, it is also important to become familiar with these terms:
• Brilliance: white light reflected from the facets
• Fire: reflected color created when white light is dispersed through the diamond
• Scintillation: the sparkle we see when the reflections interact as the stone is in motion
A brilliant cut diamond has 58 facets (including the culet). The crown (i.e. the upper portion of the stone) has 33, while the pavilion (i.e. the lower portion of the stone) has 25. But it’s more involved than that: the crown has one table facet, eight bezel facets, eight-star facets, and 16 upper girdle facets, while the pavilion has eight facets, as well as 16 lower girdle facets and a culet. Cutters must ensure that these facets are perfect in terms of symmetry and proportion.
Speaking of which: the table, crown, and pavilion all must be in proportion to each other. For instance, if the table is too large, then too much light can escape. This will give it a duller appearance than it should have. If the pavilion is too deep or too shallow, light is lost through the bottom, and we miss out on the brilliance we crave.
Why Invest in a Brilliant Cut Diamond?
As a professional in the jewelry industry, it is essential that we deliver the quality and aesthetic beauty that our customers want. Round brilliants are the most popular stones on the market, accounting for more than 70 percent of sales nation-wide.
The reason for this is obvious: They are iconic! When people picture the ideal engagement ring, for instance, it’s most likely that a brilliant cut diamond will pop into their mind. This cut also delivers unmatched brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
The beauty and glamor of the brilliant are undeniable.
Large, brilliant cut diamonds may cost a bit more than other cuts. The cutting process is labor-intensive, and it must be meticulous and exacting. Even in the hands of a master, there is a good deal of waste involved in the cutting process.
You may, for example, lose up to 60 percent of the carat weight as a rough diamond is transformed into a customer-ready brilliant cut stone.
However, many customers accept a higher price point in return for the quality and enduring beauty they receive.
The Diamond Experts
Our expert team will help you select the right stone(s) for your jewelry. We offer a host of services to streamline your purchase experience and your enjoyment of your brilliant cut diamonds. We offer financing and custom one-of-a-kind CAD design assistance. We can handle all of your diamond needs, delivering the quality you desire at an affordable price.
(credit to K. Rosengart for much of this article)