More about diamond cutting
When it comes to precious stones, it's impossible to miss such a term as "cutting" - this is the basic concept that applies to any gem. But what is really hidden behind this word and what effect does it have on the finished product and its cost? This is what FJewellery store experts want to talk about in today's article. Here is collected the most complete information about this process and is told in simple and understandable words for everyone. So, get comfortable and let's figure it out together!
Some historical facts
The diamond is a unique and beautiful stone that has a rich history and is fanned by thousands of myths. Since ancient times, people have known about them and believed in their mystical properties. So, the Ancient Greeks believed in its divine origin and called it "The Tear of God". In the period of antiquity, many also believed that diamonds were fraught with knowledge about the universe and were fragments of stars that had fallen from the sky. In the culture of every nation, one can find references to these gemstones and legends associated with them. It just so happened that this luxurious sparkling crystal has always been given a lot of attention.
With the development of technology and the skill of ancient jewellers, the idea of these stones began to change. But the masters got acquainted with cutting much later. The exact period of the appearance of this process isn't known, but it's believed that this happened towards the end of the 14th and beginning of the 15th centuries. Until that moment, artisans tried to play with the shape of diamonds, but these were only the most simple and primitive attempts, when only one facet was ground and then polished. A breakthrough in this area happened only in 1465, when the famous Flemish master created his own unique cut in the shape of a beautiful rose. His name was maestro Lodewijk van Berken, and he became a real pioneer in this field. It's he who is credited with the invention of a new method of working with diamonds.
A century later, special tools for grinding and polishing precious crystals began to appear. But the most famous and sought-after form of diamonds (round) appeared only in the 20th century. Nowadays, there are already many contemporary technologies and methods to simplify this process and create incredible forms and cuts. Every year, famous brands and eminent jewellers surprise us with new and original solutions. And given that all these processes continue to develop - we believe that this isn't the limit!
So, what is this process?
The meaning of the term "brilliant cut" no longer refers to the shape of the stone, but to its symmetry and overall proportions. The faces themselves are flat and maximally polished divisions on the surface of the gem. They form a certain geometric pattern, due to which the absorption and reflection of light occurs. Their proportions and quantity affect the amount of light that a crystal absorbs and subsequently reflects from its surface. In simple words - the more of them, the brighter the diamond will shine. But it's significant that they are made with the highest quality and located at the right angles. Depending on the size of the diamond, different types of cut are used, and the original shape of a pure stone is of direct importance here.
Varieties of brilliant cut
The quality and value of a diamond is evaluated by several parameters, where the cut is crucial. It also includes brilliance, purity, size. There is a certain classification, which is based on these parameters and changes the price of the product up or down. In recent years, a specific top has formed with the most popular and sought-after types of cuts. It includes:
- Round classic cut - according to the standard, it has 57 facets and has been the most recognizable and common for many decades. Ideal as the centrepiece of engagement rings.
- Princess is a fashionable modification of the old French technology. It's shaped like a softened inverted pyramid where the end is pointed while the top remains square. Such stones are very high and can have up to 78 facets.
- Cushion is essentially a square, but with smooth and rounded corners, the edges are also soft. Visually, they resemble a pillow, though expensive and sparkling. A popular base for halo rings.
- Emerald - a stepped rectangle with clearly bevelled edges. Wide facets allow more light to be reflected, making the stone appear much larger as well.
- Baguette - a more elongated and slightly narrower version of the traditional emerald with a stepped structure. This cut is used for rectangular, trapezoidal and square gemstones.
- Marquis - a fancy type of cut, having the shape of a pointed and elongated oval. Visually it seems very light and airy, but due to its form it makes the jewellery bigger. Often used in stud earrings, and they appear larger than they are.
- Pear shape – an exclusive hybrid type of cut that combines two technologies: perfectly round and marquise. The result is a crystal with two different edges - one pointed and the other semicircular. It's very reminiscent of a precious tear and is used in most fine jewellery such as drop earrings and dainty drop pendants.
Today there is a very wide assortment of diamond jewellery and before buying it's important to fully study the information about the stone in order to accurately get what you want. So, in the FJewellery catalogue, the card of each specific product always contains its characteristics and all details about precious inserts. You can study each model in advance, compare them with each other and assemble the most harmonious set of accessories. And in our blog, you will find even more interesting facts about diamonds and a detailed description of the 4 c's for their quality. Join now and be the first to know all the most interesting jewel news!