Information about a Diamond Cut The cut of a diamond refers to two separate elements: - The way the rough diamond is cut to produce a polished diamond
The shape of the diamond, the different styles of cuts e.g. Pear, Round, Marquise, Heart shaped etc.
Effects of a Good Diamond Cut Diamonds are prized for their brilliance, sparkle and lustre: - Brilliance or Fire - The amount of tiny flashes of light a diamond gives off through the reflection and refraction of light - the intensity of the light-reflecting power which maximizes the brilliance
- Scintillation or Sparkle - A measure of the light reflected out by a diamond as it is viewed from different angles which occurs when light bounces among the diamond facets creating a really sparkling display
- Lustre / luster - The brightness of an object that shines with reflected light
- Dispersion - Dispersion refers to the prism of light refracted from within a cut and polished diamond and relates to the sparkling colors that are emitted from the stone as it is viewed from different angles
These elements may be visible even in their rough state; but in order to enhance these advantages the diamonds must be cut and polished. A skilful diamond cutter, or lapidary, is able to bring out all the brilliance of a diamond, whilst concealing its imperfections, by choosing the most appropriate cuts and the most appropriate proportions and symmetry. Diamonds are Forever... An Impartial Guide to Diamonds |