Why purchase 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 revealed by diamonds set in jewelry. They seem even more special when they are bought for their own sake.
Diamonds are available 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 famous because it provides the most brilliance. It has been designed 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 changed into a round brilliant. For this reason, diamonds are sold in several other shapes as well, commonly known as fancy cuts.
Now some of the fancy cuts are already based on familiar shapes, and will appeal to people even if they aren't that familiar with diamonds. The heart and oval cuts are named after their shapes. The pear cut is often interpreted 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 their shapes are the same? This is where we get a bit technical, but fortunately you don't have to get that esoteric.
Emerald and Asscher cuts are known as step cuts. In contrast to 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 is the older of the two, 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-effective than brilliant cuts. The princess cut is the most popular next to the round brilliant, whereas the radiant cut has over 70 cuts.
When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you find attractive. The jeweler, in turn, will narrow down your choices in terms of price and quality, and help you make the most ideal purchase.
Diamonds are produced in a variety of designs, known in the trade as cuts. The way the round brilliant cut has been cut makes it reflects the most light. Step cuts accentuate lustre and clarity over brilliance. Mixed cuts evoke the brilliance of brilliant cuts, but are more practical to produce. When selecting loose diamonds, you need not be intimidated by technical knowledge. You can buy based on what cut you like.
-Lorraine Jacobs
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