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Diamond Cuts Explained

Tuesday, March 19th

Diamond Cuts Explained

When you go to the jewelry store to buy a diamond, you have to take a lot of things into consideration. One of the biggest factors is the four C's. One of the most important of the 4 C's is the cut of the diamond. Let's take some time here to go over the different types of diamond cuts so you will be knowledgeable when you go to buy a piece of jewelry.

Why is a Diamond Cut Important?

This is a good question. You see, the way a diamond is cut will directly affect how it reflects light. The more light a diamond reflects, the more sparkly and brilliant it will appear. In short, the more reflected light, the more valuable the diamond.

The way a diamond is cut will affect how the light reflects at different angles. So an ideal cut diamond will reflect light straight up at whoever is looking at it. If the diamond is cut too deep (where the sides are too steeply angled upward) the light will reflect off to the sides and won't appear very sparkly. If the diamond is cut too shallow (or the sides are angled too broadly) the light won't really reflect it all.

What Are the Proportions of an Ideally Cut Diamond?

Specific proportions must be met in order for a diamond to qualify as ideal. These proportions include the crown depth and angle, the girdle, the pavilion depth and angle, and the table size. You should never confuse the cut of a diamond with its shape. Yes, the shape of the stone will affect the cut, but they are not the same thing. The most popular shape is a round diamond. A round diamond has 57 facets. That makes up its cut. Differently shaped diamonds will have a different number of facets so different kinds of cuts. Other shapes include princess, Emerald, oval, heart, and so on.

Another thing to remember is that when a diamond cutlet is flattened to be placed in a piece of jewelry, this creates a new facet. So, a round diamond in a ring would have 58 facets, not 57.

The Symmetry of Diamonds Cuts

Beyond the way a diamond is cut, you also need to consider how well a diamond is cut. This has to do with symmetry. In a perfect diamond, the facets on each side will align with its opposite. You could cut the diamond in half and both sides would be exactly the same from all angles.

Again, the cut of a diamond is just one of the aspects you need to consider when you go jewelry shopping. It's best to thoroughly educate yourself on the subject before you even head to the store, though. Learn about the cut, the clarity and the rest of the 4 C's. Learn what marks a good diamond from a bad one. Finally, know how to spot a quality vendor from one trying to rip you off. Becoming familiar with all of these aspects will making buying a diamond that much easier.

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Jewelry Store FAQ

You can get any jewelry you'd normally buy at a brick-and-mortar store. From watches and bracelets to custom-designed engagement rings, there's no limit to the selection you'll find when shopping online for your next piece of jewelry.
Why not? You've got the convenience of shopping anytime and from anywhere, the world's best inventory, and prices that rival what you'd get locally. Because many online jewelry stores don't have a retail presence, they save money on overhead and pass those savings along to the customer.
Some stores include free shipping - either on all orders or when you spend a minimum amount of money. Your package will likely be insured by the jeweler, so it should arrive just as safely as your other deliveries. (Just watch out for porch pirates!)
You'll usually be covered by a return policy ranging from 30-60 days. Many jewelers include a prepaid return label with your jewelry. Or, if you're buying online from a jeweler that has a location near you, you may be able to return it in-person for added peace of mind.
The sky is the limit. Whether you want an inexpensive pendant or a $20,000 diamond, you'll find it online.
Sometimes. Only a few specifically state that they'll cover lost gemstones within the first year, for example. You might want to consider a separate insurance policy if you're buying a more expensive piece of jewelry.
Yes, depending on the store you select. You'll usually see those options in a link at the bottom of the site, or on the individual product pages for each piece of jewelry you're considering (often near the price details).
Unfortunately, not all online jewelers are created equal. Some do a flawless job of delivering everything they promise and more - but others have left hundreds (if not thousands) of unhappy customers in their wake. But, it's easy to spot the jewelry stores that deserve your business: just look for an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and plenty of positive reviews from shoppers, and you'll know it's a trustworthy option for your jewelry purchase.

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