Why get loose diamonds? They're not quite as practical as earrings and necklaces. You would not be able to carry them around with you anywhere you go. But diamonds have a beauty on their own that can't be matched by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more exceptional when they are bought for their own sake.
Diamonds are produced in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The most famous of these is the round brilliant cut. Simply put, the round brilliant is the most well-known because it provides the most brilliance. It has been cut in such a way that it reflects the most light. What most people don't know is that the shape of the round brilliant is the least practical. As much as half of the original diamond is left out when it is turned into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are produced in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.
Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar designs, and will appeal to people even if they don't know much about diamonds. The heart and oval cuts are named after their shapes. The pear cut is often viewed as an upside down teardrop.
On the other hand, how do you explain to people the differences between the Asscher and emerald cut, or the princess and radiant cut, when they all share the same rectangular shape? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to memorize much jargon.
Emerald and Asscher cuts are classified as step cuts. Unlike the round brilliant, they are rectangular in shape, with each side bordered with small steps. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. The Asscher cut has been around for over 100 years, and its proportions are less even.
The princess and radiant cuts come from a third category, known as mixed cuts. They have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is only second to the round brilliant in its popularity, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.
When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow down your choices in terms of price and quality, and help find the best deal for you.
Diamonds are available in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The round brilliant cut has been designed in such a way that it reflects the most light. Step cuts stress lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts have more brilliance than step cuts, but are more cost-efficient than brilliant cuts. When choosing loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you prefer.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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