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Explore Unique Diamond Cuts for Exquisite Jewelry

Welcome to our education page, where we delve into the captivating world of unique diamond cuts. The way a diamond is cut is far more than just shaping a gem; it's an art form that unlocks the brilliance and charm of these unique diamond cuts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of exceptional diamond cuts, including the ideal cut diamond, the most expensive diamond cut, and the portrait cut diamond. Each of these cuts has its own distinct character and allure, making your jewelry collection truly exceptional. Let's embark on a journey to discover the secrets behind these unique diamond cuts.

Understanding the Art of Diamond Cutting:

Diamond cutting is a marriage of science and art. A skilled diamond cutter expertly shapes raw diamonds into various cuts, revealing their inherent beauty. The cut of a diamond is one of the four Cs (carat, cut, color, and clarity) that significantly influences its overall quality and value. As we explore unique diamond cuts, let's delve deeper into this mesmerizing world of diamonds.

  1. Ideal Cut Diamond: The term "ideal cut" refers to a specific set of proportions and angles that result in the most brilliant and dazzling unique diamond cuts. Ideal cut diamonds are meticulously shaped to reflect the maximum amount of light, creating a breathtaking display of fire and brilliance.
  2. Round Brilliant Cut: Among the most popular diamond cuts, the round brilliant cut is known for its perfect balance between brilliance and fire, with 57 or 58 facets that maximize the reflection of light.
  3. Princess Cut: Known for its sharp angles and modern appeal, the princess cut combines the brilliance of a round cut with the bold, square geometry that sets it apart.
  4. Emerald Cut: Emerald cut diamonds have a rectangular shape with cut corners, creating a stunning hall-of-mirrors effect when you gaze into the stone. They prioritize clarity and are often used in vintage-inspired and Art Deco jewelry.
  5. Most Expensive Diamond Cut: When it comes to luxury diamonds, the heart-shaped diamond takes center stage as the most expensive among unique diamond cuts. Symbolizing love and affection, it is a beloved choice for romantic jewelry pieces like Engagement Rings and pendants.
  6. Asscher Cut: The Asscher cut is a step-cut diamond with a square shape and cropped corners, resulting in an elegant, vintage appeal among unique diamond cuts.
  7. Oval-Cut: Oval cut diamonds provide a timeless and elegant look by combining the brilliance of the round cut with an elongated shape.
  8. Portrait Cut Diamond: The portrait cut diamond is truly one-of-a-kind among unique diamond cuts. It goes beyond the conventional facets and engraves detailed images onto the diamond's surface, often custom-made to immortalize loved ones or commemorate special occasions.

Choosing the Perfect Diamond Cut:

Selecting the ideal diamond cut for your jewelry piece is a highly personal decision. It should reflect your personal style, the occasion for which the jewelry is intended, and your budget. Each of the unique diamond cuts has its own distinct appeal.

  • Budget: Certain cuts, like the heart-shaped diamond, can be more expensive due to their rarity and the complexity of their cutting process.
  • Style: Your personal style and the design of the jewelry piece should guide your choice of unique diamond cuts.
  • Occasion: The event or purpose for which you are purchasing the diamond should influence your choice of unique diamond cuts.
  • Setting: The type of setting for your jewelry piece can complement and enhance the chosen diamond cut among unique diamond cuts.
  • Personal Meaning: Consider the sentimental value of a specific unique diamond cut.

In the world of diamond jewelry, unique diamond cuts add an extra layer of distinction and beauty. Your choice of cut should reflect your personal style, the occasion, and your budget. Explore our exquisite collection of diamond jewelry, featuring a range of unique diamond cuts, and discover the perfect piece to adorn yourself or your loved ones. Your jewelry will become a canvas for the stories you cherish, embracing the beauty and significance of your chosen unique diamond cut.

We hope this guide has enriched your understanding of these unique diamond cuts, enabling you to make an informed decision when selecting your next piece of diamond jewelry. Whether you choose the timeless elegance of an ideal cut diamond, the romantic allure of a heart-shaped diamond, or the personalized artistry of a portrait cut diamond, your jewelry will shine as a symbol of love, commitment, and personal expression.

Diamond Color

When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, understanding the nuances of color is crucial. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer a diamond is to colorless, the more valuable and rare it is considered.

D Color Diamond

D color diamonds are considered absolutely colorless. They are extremely rare and exhibit no traces of color. These diamonds are highly valued for their exceptional purity and brilliance.

F Color Diamond

F color diamonds are nearly colorless, with a slight trace of color that is only detectable under magnification. They offer excellent value for those seeking high-quality diamonds without the premium associated with D and E color grades.

G Color Diamond

G color diamonds are also considered near-colorless. They have a subtle hint of color that is hard to detect without magnification. G color diamonds offer a good balance of quality and value.

H Color Diamond

H color diamonds are classified as near-colorless and are a popular choice for those looking for a balance between quality and budget. They may show a faint hint of color, but it's generally not visible to the naked eye.

I Color Diamond

I color diamonds are slightly near-colorless and may have a subtle tint that can be observed without magnification. They offer excellent value for those who prioritize size and cut over color.

J Color Diamond

J color diamonds have a faint yellow tint that is more noticeable compared to higher color grades. They represent a good balance between affordability and appearance, making them a popular choice for many buyers.

E Color Diamond

E color diamonds are considered colorless, just like D color diamonds, but may have very faint traces of color that are extremely difficult to detect. They are highly valued for their exceptional purity and brilliance.

K Color Diamond

K color diamonds exhibit a noticeable pale yellow tint that is visible to the naked eye. While they are less expensive, they still offer the opportunity to acquire a larger diamond within a budget.

H Color Diamond

Diamond color H represents a near-colorless grade with a slight hint of color that may be detected under close examination. It offers a good balance between quality and affordability.

Unlocking the Mysteries of Diamond Clarity: SI1, I2, and I3 Grades

When it comes to purchasing a diamond, one of the most crucial factors to consider is its clarity. Clarity is a critical characteristic that influences a diamond's beauty, value, and overall quality. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of diamond clarity, with a special focus on SI1, I2, and I3 clarity grades.

Understanding Diamond Clarity

Diamond clarity is all about assessing the presence of internal and external flaws, commonly referred to as inclusions and blemishes. These imperfections are the result of various geological processes that occur during a diamond's formation deep within the Earth. They come in many forms, from tiny specks to more noticeable marks on the diamond's surface.

SI1 Diamond Clarity

SI1 stands for "Slightly Included 1," which means that there are inclusions in the diamond, but they are quite difficult to see, even under 10x magnification. SI1 diamonds offer an excellent balance between quality and price. You get a beautiful diamond with minimal inclusions that don't affect the overall brilliance. In most cases, these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

SI1 diamonds are a popular choice for those who want a stunning, sparkling gem without breaking the bank. They offer exceptional value for money while still maintaining high quality.

I2 Diamond Clarity

The I2 clarity grade, short for "Included 2," represents diamonds with more noticeable inclusions and blemishes. These flaws are more visible under 10x magnification and may even be apparent to the naked eye. While I2 diamonds may have more imperfections, they are often significantly more affordable compared to higher clarity grades.

I2 diamonds can be an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't mind visible inclusions or prefer a larger carat size over flawless clarity. However, it's crucial to carefully inspect I2 diamonds to ensure you're satisfied with their appearance.

I3 Diamond Clarity

I3, or "Included 3," is the lowest clarity grade on the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) scale. Diamonds in this category have numerous and readily visible inclusions and blemishes. I3 diamonds may not have the same brilliance as higher clarity diamonds due to the presence of significant flaws.

I3 diamonds are typically the most affordable, making them a suitable choice for those on a tight budget or looking for diamonds for industrial purposes. However, their visual appeal is compromised by the noticeable inclusions and blemishes, so they may not be the best choice for a traditional, sparkling engagement ring.

Understanding diamond clarity is vital for making an informed decision when purchasing a diamond. SI1 diamonds strike a balance between quality and cost, offering a nearly flawless appearance at a reasonable price. On the other hand, I2 and I3 diamonds are more budget-friendly but come with visible inclusions and blemishes, making them suitable for specific preferences and purposes.

Ultimately, the ideal clarity grade for your diamond depends on your budget, personal preferences, and how visible you're comfortable with inclusions being. Whether you opt for the exquisite brilliance of an SI1 diamond or the budget-friendly choice of an I2 or I3 diamond, each has its unique charm and allure, making it a valuable addition to your jewelry collection.

Understanding Carat Weight in Diamond Jewelry

When it comes to choosing the perfect diamond, understanding carat weight is essential. Carat weight is a crucial factor that influences the overall appearance and value of a diamond. In this guide, we'll delve into what carat weight means and how it impacts your diamond jewelry purchase.

What is Carat Weight?

Carat weight is a unit of measurement specifically used for diamonds and gemstones. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams, roughly the weight of a paperclip. Larger carat weights often indicate a larger and more valuable diamond.

Balancing Carat Weight with Other Factors:

While carat weight is important, it's crucial to balance it with other characteristics known as the "Four Cs": cut, color, and clarity. A well-balanced diamond, with consideration for all these factors, ensures a stunning piece of jewelry.

Choosing the Right Carat Weight:

Personal Style: Consider the recipient's personal style. Some may prefer a larger, statement-making diamond, while others may favor a more modest size. Budget: Determine your budget and explore diamonds within that range. Keep in mind that smaller diamonds of higher quality can be equally impressive. Setting and Design: The type of setting and design of the jewelry can influence how the diamond appears. Certain settings may enhance the perceived size of the diamond.

Perception of Size:

It's important to note that carat weight doesn't solely dictate a diamond's size. Factors like cut and shape also play a significant role. A well-cut diamond may appear larger than a poorly cut one, even if they have the same carat weight.

Tips for Maximizing Carat Weight:

Consider Fancy Shapes: Fancy shaped diamonds, such as ovals or marquises, can appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight due to their elongated shape. Choose a Halo Setting: A halo of smaller diamonds around the center stone can create the illusion of a larger diamond. Opt for a Solitaire Setting: A minimalist setting with fewer accents draws focus to the center diamond, making it appear larger.

Understanding carat weight empowers you to make an informed decision when selecting diamond jewelry. Remember that it's not solely about size, but also about how the diamond complements the wearer's style and preferences. By considering carat weight in conjunction with other factors, you'll find the perfect diamond that truly shines.

Diamond Shapes
1.09 Carat E-VS1 True HeartsTM Ideal Diamond
1.09 Carat E-VS1 True HeartsTM Ideal Diamond
1.27 Carat D-IF Heart Cut Diamond
0.80 CARAT D-VVS1 MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND
1.00 CARAT E-VS2 OVAL CUT DIAMOND
1.01 Carat D-IF Pear Cut Diamond
1.15 Carat E-VVS1 Princess Cut Diamond
1.20 Carat D-VVS2 Radiant Cut Diamond

Diamond Shapes: Elegance in Every Cut

When it comes to selecting the perfect diamond, understanding the various shapes is essential. Each diamond shape possesses its own unique characteristics, offering distinct aesthetics and qualities. Explore our guide below to discover the different diamond shapes available, and find the one that resonates with your personal style and preferences.

Round Brilliant Cut:

The round brilliant cut is the most popular and timeless diamond shape. Its symmetrical and perfectly circular design maximizes brilliance and sparkle, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. This classic shape exudes elegance and complements a wide range of settings.

Princess Cut:

The princess cut features a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. It is known for its clean lines and modern appeal, making it a popular choice for those seeking a contemporary look. The princess cut combines brilliance with a sleek, sophisticated design.

Emerald Cut:

The emerald cut is characterized by its rectangular shape with cut corners. This step-cut design emphasizes clarity and showcases the diamond's natural beauty. It exudes a sense of vintage elegance, making it a favored choice for those with refined tastes.

Oval Cut:

The oval cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with an elongated shape, creating a stunning, unique diamond. It offers a flattering appearance on the finger and maximizes the visual size of the diamond. The oval shape is known for its graceful and eye-catching appeal.

Pear Cut:

The pear cut, also known as the teardrop shape, is a blend of a round and marquise shape, featuring a rounded end tapering to a point. This distinctive shape offers a touch of elegance and individuality. It is a popular choice for pendants and earrings, as well as engagement rings.

Choosing the perfect diamond shape is a personal decision that reflects your unique style and preferences. Whether you opt for the timeless brilliance of the round cut or the modern elegance of the princess cut, each shape brings its own charm and allure. Explore our exquisite collection of diamond shapes to find the one that resonates with you.

SHOP RADIANT CUT DIAMONDSSHOP ALL DIAMOND SHAPES

Diamond Anatomy

While every diamond is unique, all diamonds share certain structural features. A diamond’s anatomy, or its basic structure, determines its proportions, brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. Each part of the diamond has a specific name, and having a basic understanding of how each part contributes to the diamond as a whole will help you find your perfect diamond.

A diamond is comprised of the eight main components. They are Diameter, Table, Crown, Table Spread, Girdle, Pavilion, Depth, and Culet. Below is a brief description of each part of a diamond and its location.

  • Diameter: The width of a polished stone, measured from edge to edge.
  • Table: The largest polished facet located on the top of the diamond.
  • Crown: The top part of a diamond extending from the table to the girdle. The crown is made up of bezel facets (crown mains), star facets, upper girdle facets (upper halves), and a table facet.
  • Girdle: The very edge (widest edge) of the diamond where the crown and pavilion meet.
  • Pavilion: The bottom part of a diamond extending from the girdle down to the culet.
  • Depth: The total height of a diamond measured from the table to the culet.
  • Culet: The small or pointed facet at the very bottom of the diamond.

Before purchasing a diamond, make sure that you have a basic understanding of a diamond’s anatomy. This will allow you to truly appreciate diamonds and all their intricacies, communicate with experts about a particular diamond, and, most importantly, it will assist you in making a well-thought out decision about which diamond is best for you.

Proportion – Understanding Brilliance, Dispersion & Scintillation

Well–proportioned diamonds exhibit three different properties: brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. As light strikes a diamond's surface, it will either reflect off the table of a polished stone or enter the diamond. The light that is reflected is known as the diamond's brilliance — the flash of white light one sees when looking at a stone. As light travels through a stone, some of the light rays are separated into flashes of color. This is known as dispersion. The result of dispersion—the separation of white light into its spectral colors — is known as fire. Scintillation is flashes of color that are viewable as an observer moves a diamond back and forth.

Putting It All Together

Use this interactive tool to see how depth and table percentages can affect the brilliance in a round diamond. Please Note: this example is for a round diamond only—fancy shapes have their own set of unique properties.

Diamond Symmetry
Wavy Gridle
Crown Pavilion Misalignment
Extra Facets
Off-Center Culet
Off-Center Table
Table Girdle Not Parallel
Misshapen Face
Faces Not Pointing Up
Naturals on Crown and Pavilion

Diamond Symmetry

Symmetry refers to the exactness of the shape and arrangement of facets in a diamond. Although to the naked eye finish features only have a tiny effect on appearance, symmetry is significant. In diamonds that have low clarity grades, symmetry is less important, but in diamonds with very high clarity grades, symmetry is very important.

Wavy Girdle

The girdle of a diamond should be a flat plane, parallel to the table. In this example the girdle "waves" as it wraps around the diamond.

Crown & Pavilion Misalignment

In a round diamond the top points of the pavilion mains and the bottom points of the bezel facets should meet precisely at the girdle. We can see in this example the diamond's crown and pavilion facets are misaligned.

Extra Facets

These are typically located on the pavilion, near the girdle, but they can be found anywhere on a diamond. In this example we see where extra facets commonly occur.

Off-Center Culet

To check if the culet is centered, look at the diamond in the face-up position. You'll see the lower girdle facets through the table. If the lines formed by them look like a perfect square, the culet is centered. If the cross bends one way of the other, the culet is not centered. In this example we see what an off-centered culet might look like.

Off-Center Table

The placement of the table (the largest facet on a diamond) should be centered at the top of the stone and needs to be parallel to the girdle. If the table is off-center or not parallel with the girdle this can cause uneven crown angles from one side to the other. In this example we see the unbalanced appearance that occurs from an off-center table.

Table & Girdle Not Parallel

Here we see another example of what occurs when the table is not parallel with the girdle. As you see, the crown angle is much steeper on one-side than the other. From the top view you may have noticed an off-center table.

Misshapen Face

A correct table displays a regular octagon shape. It should have eight sides of equal length that are each parallel to the opposing opposite facet. In this example we see facets that are not properly shaped, or they are not the same size and shape as others like them on the face of the diamond.

Faces Not Pointing Up

Some diamonds display facets that are not properly pointed. Facet patterns of round brilliants are meant to show a precise arrangement of 58 perfectly shaped facets. In this example we see some that some do not meet at a direct point.

Naturals on Crown and Pavilion

A natural is the original "rough" of the diamond. Naturals always occur or start out on the girdle. They either dip towards the pavilion or the crown. In this example we see the natural located on the girdle running down into the pavilion.

Diamond Polish

What Is Diamond Polish?

Diamond polish influences how well light is able to pass through a diamond. It is a very important attribute in determining a diamond's overall brilliance. When choosing a diamond, it is best to pick one that is laboratory certified with good, very good or excellent polish. Diamonds with poor polish are significantly less brilliant because they have microscopic polish lines that blur the surface of the stone—this also reduces the amount of light that enters or exits the diamond. Be aware that many diamonds have a poor polish because some diamond cutters reduce their costs by not spending sufficient time to properly polish a diamond.

How Is Polish Graded?

Polish is graded the same that way symmetry is graded. On a GIA report, the grades are Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor. The same applies for AGS and IGI reports, which also include ideal in their list.

  • EX or E - Excellent, Flawless at 10X magnification
  • VG or VGD - Very Good, Extremely difficult to locate under 10X magnification
  • GD, GO, G - Good, Very difficult to see under 10X magnification
  • F, FR, FA - Fair, Noticeable under 10X magnification
  • PR, PO, P - Poor, Easy to see under 10X magnification / Visible to unaided eye
  • VP, VE - Very Poor, Relatively easy to see with the unaided eye
  • EX or EP - Extremely Poor, Obvious to see with unaided eye

There is very little difference between these ratings to the unaided eye. A diamond with a polish rating of Good can still be a remarkable stone. It is only under magnification that the differences in these ratings become clearer. Polish rated Fair (FR) and Poor (PR), however, indicates that the flaws in the polish are visible to the naked eye and affect the overall beauty of the diamond.

It is also important that your ring does not have a porosity problem or rough spots in the metal. Porosity is when there are little surface holes that get worse as you go deeper into the metal. Generally the result of mass producing rings with poor quality control, porosity makes a ring weak and is non-repairable. A ring with porosity will eventually break down.

Fluorescence

What Is Diamond Fluorescence?

Fluorescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon that appears in certain minerals and gems. Some quality diamonds display a visible light when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. This light is known as fluorescence. Under most lighting conditions, a diamond's fluorescence is not visible to the naked eye, although the diamond will exhibit a soft colored glow if held under an ultraviolet lamp.

Do All Diamond Fluoresce?

Not all diamond fluoresce. If a specific diamond does not fluoresce, the grading report will list the diamond's fluorescence as either inert or none.

What Are The Different Types of Diamond Fluorescence?

The degree of fluorescence varies from faint to medium to strong to very strong. Faint means that the stone has a slight glow that is difficult to see under ultraviolet light. Very strong means that the diamond emits a deep glow that is very clear under ultraviolet light. The color of the fluorescence can also vary, although blue is the most common color. Yellow, green and white are other colors that a fluorescent diamond may exhibit.

How Does Fluorescence Affect A Diamond?

Fluorescence usually has no effect on a diamond's appearance in regular lighting conditions. In some cases, however, a strong blue fluorescence can make a yellow colored diamond appear whiter. In rare cases, it can or cause a stone to appear milky or oily.

Ideal Cut Diamonds: The Epitome of Brilliance

When it comes to choosing a diamond for an engagement ring or any other piece of fine jewelry, one of the most critical factors to consider is the cut. The cut of a diamond not only influences its overall appearance but also determines its brilliance and sparkle. Among the various diamond cuts available, the "ideal cut" is often considered the pinnacle of diamond craftsmanship.

What is an Ideal Cut Diamond?

An ideal cut diamond is a gemstone that has been expertly cut to specific proportions and angles to maximize its brilliance and fire. These diamonds are meticulously crafted to achieve a perfect balance between the diamond's various optical properties, including brightness, fire (dispersion of light), and scintillation (sparkle).

Characteristics of an Ideal Cut Diamond

Proportions: The ideal cut diamond is typically cut to precise proportions, including the table size, crown height, pavilion depth, and angles. These proportions are carefully calculated to ensure that light entering the diamond reflects internally and exits through the top, creating exceptional brightness.

Symmetry: Ideal cut diamonds exhibit excellent symmetry, meaning that the facets are precisely aligned, and the diamond's overall shape is symmetrical. This level of symmetry enhances the diamond's visual appeal.

Polish: The surface of an ideal cut diamond is polished to perfection, resulting in a mirror-like finish. This flawless polish minimizes any surface imperfections and enhances the diamond's brilliance.

Hearts and Arrows Pattern: When viewed under specialized equipment, ideal cut diamonds often display a distinctive hearts and arrows pattern. This pattern indicates exceptional precision in the diamond's cutting and symmetry.

Why Choose an Ideal Cut Diamond?

  • Brilliance:Ideal cut diamonds are renowned for their extraordinary brilliance and sparkle. They reflect light in a way that maximizes the diamond's brightness, making it appear more brilliant and captivating.
  • Fire and Scintillation:These diamonds also exhibit impressive fire, which is the dispersion of light into colorful flashes. Additionally, their scintillation, or the play of light as the diamond moves, adds to their captivating beauty.
  • Value:While ideal cut diamonds are prized for their exceptional quality, they are often more valuable and in-demand than diamonds with lesser cuts. Their superior visual appeal and rarity contribute to their higher market value.
  • Durability:The precision of an ideal cut minimizes the risk of chipping or damage, making them a durable choice for jewelry that will stand the test of time.

    • In summary, an ideal cut diamond represents the pinnacle of diamond cutting expertise. These gems are cut to precise proportions and exhibit exceptional symmetry, polish, and optical properties, resulting in unmatched brilliance and beauty. When choosing a diamond for your special occasion, consider an ideal cut diamond for a truly dazzling and timeless piece of jewelry.