Cut
Traditional principles guide the artistry of gem-cutters, including formulas for facet
number/placement/proportions for each standard diamond shape (round, princess, ideal,
marquis, oval, emerald, etc.) These proportions – especially a gemstone’s depth relative
to its diameter – have evolved to maximize brilliance and fire of any given diamond. A
grading standard for diamond cut is founded on measures how effectively the gemstone
reflects the light that enters it, generating a spectrum of colors.
The proportions of a well-cut diamond permit it evenly to reflect and refract a burst of that
light and color back to the eye. Diamonds carry grades from Excellent down to Poor:
Excellent: (Top 1%), reflecting virtually all light that enters the gemstone
Ideal: (Top 3%), reflecting almost all the light that enters the gemstone
Very Good: (Top 15%), reflects almost as much light as “Ideal” stones at lower price
Good: (Top 15%), reflects most of the light that enters the gemstone, at cost considerably
lower than “Very Good”
Fair: (Top 35%), less brilliant (also less expensive) than gemstones graded “Good”
Poor: All other diamonds below the “Fair” grade.
The most important criterion for many diamond clients, however, is shape. No one shape
is “best,” or better than any other. It’s purely a matter of personal preference. Here are
the most popular shapes available in the diamond market today:
Traditional principles guide the artistry of gem-cutters, including formulas for facet
number/placement/proportions for each standard diamond shape (round, princess, ideal,
marquis, oval, emerald, etc.) These proportions – especially a gemstone’s depth relative
to its diameter – have evolved to maximize brilliance and fire of any given diamond. A
grading standard for diamond cut is founded on measures how effectively the gemstone
reflects the light that enters it, generating a spectrum of colors.
The proportions of a well-cut diamond permit it evenly to reflect and refract a burst of that
light and color back to the eye. Diamonds carry grades from Excellent down to Poor:
Excellent: (Top 1%), reflecting virtually all light that enters the gemstone
Ideal: (Top 3%), reflecting almost all the light that enters the gemstone
Very Good: (Top 15%), reflects almost as much light as “Ideal” stones at lower price
Good: (Top 15%), reflects most of the light that enters the gemstone, at cost considerably
lower than “Very Good”
Fair: (Top 35%), less brilliant (also less expensive) than gemstones graded “Good”
Poor: All other diamonds below the “Fair” grade.
The most important criterion for many diamond clients, however, is shape. No one shape
is “best,” or better than any other. It’s purely a matter of personal preference. Here are
the most popular shapes available in the diamond market today:
The perfect marriage of old-world artistry and 21st century technology
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| 2 North Wabash Ave Chicago, IL, 60602 |
Copyright 2006: Wedding Bands Company. All rights reserved. For website questions, linking, & permissions, please email info@weddingbandscompany.com |