| Cut is the most important of the Four Cs when it comes to defining a diamond's brilliance; yet, cut is often the most overlooked, least understood of the Four Cs by diamond shoppers. There are precise dimensions, proportions, and angles that produce a diamond that reflects the most light possible. It is the reflection of light that gives the diamond its shine or "fire." If the diamond is not cut correctly, it will not be as brilliant as those that are cut properly. |
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| Cut vs. Shape |
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| A lot of people confuse cut with shape. Shape is just one of several aspects of a diamond's cut. Other aspects include: proportions, symmetry, finish, etc.
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| Shapes |
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| Here are some common shapes for diamonds: |
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Round
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Princess
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Oval
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Pear
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Marquise
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Heart
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Emerald
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Trillion
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| Table |
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| The table of a diamond is the flat face on the top of the diamond. |
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| Girdle |
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| The girdle of a diamond is the outer edge of the diamond that separates the top half of the diamond (the crown) from the bottom half (the pavilion). |
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| Symmetry |
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| Symmetry refers to the balance of the diamond. Diamonds that are cut evenly according to the geometeric patterns that define their shape have good symmetry. |
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| Finish |
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| Finish refers to the quality of exterior surfaces of the diamond. The fewer blemishes a diamond has, and the smoother the surfaces of the diamond are, the better the finish is. |
