Round Brilliant Cut: The Perfect Cut For Diamonds

Of all the C's of diamonds, cut is perhaps the least understood though it has profound impact on the aesthetics and value of these fine jewelry pieces. It should be taken into consideration that diamonds that exude excellent cutting could cost 40 to 50 percent higher than diamonds that are poorly cut. Hence, it is important that a prospective buyer should understand what cut is. When referring to the cut or make of diamonds this is identified as the general symmetry, proportioning and finish of such gems that profoundly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance.

There are three basic cutting styles used for fine jewelry diamonds: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut. A brilliant cut uses several facets, usually triangular and kite shaped that are arranged in specific ways to achieve optimum brilliance. A step cut utilizes fewer facets, mostly rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and are arranged in linear pattern. Meanwhile, a mixed cut makes use of combined elements from both the step and brilliant cutting styles.

From the mentioned cutting techniques however, the brilliant cut is the most popular because of its ability to optimize maximum brilliance and fire from diamonds. But, when combined with the right shape, a brilliant cut sparkler will definitely show an imposing beauty and value that will endure the test of time. Even though there's a whole range of shapes that suit with brilliant cutting, it is probably the round shape that best complements it. As a matter of fact, round brilliant cut is the most famous shape that is closely identified with the mentioned cutting technique.

Every round brilliant cut sparkler exudes 58 facets""33 are found on the top or crown, 24 are situated at the bottom, and the remaining one is at the point or culet. Smaller round brilliant diamonds are called "full cut" to properly distinguish them from "single cut" stones that have 17 facets, and from "Swiss cut" diamonds that have 33 facets only. Probably by now you're asking, what is so special about these round brilliant diamonds? The answer lies on their capability to emit the most brilliance, fire and liveliness which could all be credited from their ability to reflect the most light.

The round brilliant cut is an established favorite and considered "ideal" combination of cut and shape not only because of its premium brilliance but also its ability to suit all types of jewelry pieces. Diamonds cut this way are commonly incorporated on engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings since they could be arranged easily regardless of the shape and form of the jewelry. Similarly, they also complement all kinds of settings such as pave, prong and bezel to name a few. Basically, this cut warrants functionality and versatility that other cutting styles could not produce.

As mentioned above there many ways on how diamonds are cut. What might be preferred by most people may not be a particular choice for others. If you are going to purchase diamonds, whether they are loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, it is important that you'd be the one to decide what type of cut you like because the appearance of an ideally cut sparkler may not be appealing to you, and your choice might probably be the ones that received the highest cut grade from GIA. The most important action that you could take is to compare diamonds of differing qualities and prices, as this is an efficient means to train your eyes to properly identify their differences when it comes to fire and brilliance as well as lifelessness and dullness.

When searching for fine jewelry diamonds it is important that you consider the cutting technique used for the sparklers as this greatly affect their ability to produce fire and brilliance. Round brilliant cut is probably the most promising cutting style employed on diamonds since it is capable of exposing the maximum brilliance of such stones. Regardless if you like loose or clarity enhanced diamonds, the round brilliant technique will surely make them more valuable.

-Lorraine Jacobs