The 4 C's
The Cut of Diamonds
The cut of the diamond is more than just the shape, it is an art which shows the true beauty of a diamond. Careful examination of the rough diamonds by an experienced cutter will maximise both the yield from the stone and the shape which it is best suited too. Equally the proportions of the different cuts all work to maximise the brilliance (sparkle) and fire (flashes of colours)
Round Brilliant Cut
This is the most popular of all the polished shapes, and has evolved from the Old Mine Cut from the mid 18th century. The Modern Brilliant Cut, unveiled in 1914, has 58 facets all mathematically calculated to maximise the fire and brilliance. The Modern Brilliant proportions have been adapted to create other fancy cuts such the classic Oval, romantic Heart, striking Marquise and Pear or the unusual Trilliant cut diamonds.
Princess and Step Cuts
The Princess Cut has become on of the most popular fancy cuts, since its introduction in 1973. Its square shape with 45 facets produces a bright and scintillating look, creating a modern feel in jewellery. The Emerald Cut and Baguette Cut are rectangular designs, with fewer facets for a simple elegance, whilst the Radiant Cut and Asscher Cut are new adaptations of these classic shapes.
New Fancy Shapes
The Emdicut, Amity, Heera and Shiva launched as new cuts for the new Millennium are exclusive to only a handful of Jewellers. The Webcut, launched in 2005 has quickly become a popular new choice.
The 4 C's
The Carat Weight of Diamonds
The Carat refers to the size or weight of the diamond. One Diamond Carat = metric weight of 0.2g.
Jewellers tend to divide the carat into a ‘points’ system. 100 points = 1 carat.
Therefore when a diamond is described as 25 points or 0.25ct it is a quarter of a carat. Therefore 50pt or 0.50ct is half a carat. Larger diamonds, for example a two and half carat diamond is expressed as 2.50ct.
