Round brilliant cut diamonds are graded 0 - 10 in two directions, from 0 or "Ideal
Cut" towards shallow cut and from 0 towards deep cut. You should know
the cut grade of your diamond . . . it makes a difference in both appearance
and cost.
The graphic below traces the path of light thru the various
cut diamonds so that you can see why diamond cut is important.
When round brilliant cut diamonds are cut to ideal
mathematically precise proportions (the diamond in the
center above - detailed below), the incredible magnificence of its unique
beauty is revealed. In an ideal cut diamond, all of the light entering from
any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed
into a sparkling display of nature's most beautiful colors.
Hearts and Arrows cut diamonds are, essentially, ideal cut diamonds.
Because of their exacting proportions, a hearts and arrows pattern can be seen when the
diamond is viewed through a small scope. Hearts and Arrows cut diamonds come at a
premium.
When a diamond is cut too shallow (the diamond on the left), light leaks out the bottom, diamond brilliance
is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.
When a diamond is cut too deep (the diamond on the right), light leaks out the bottom and, again,
diamond brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear dark.
A
s noted previously, the Ideal Cut is based on a mathematical formula designed
to maximize the brilliance and extraordinary beauty of a round diamond.
Just as "D" and "flawless" denote perfect color and clarity, Ideal stands
for perfection in cutting.
Because only the most highly skilled craftsmen are used, and more material must often be
cut away from the rough diamond resulting in a lower yield, Ideal Cut diamonds are of greater
cost and value than traditional cuts.
The Ross Jewelry Company in Atlanta proudly
offers an array of the world's finest Ideal Cut diamonds . . . each graded
and sold with a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America or the
American Gem Society.
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Proportions of an Ideal Cut Diamond
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Fancy cut diamonds such as Asscher cut, Pear, Marquise, Emerald, Oval, and Heart shaped
are analyzed based on length to width ratios rather than the specific angles and
degrees against which round brilliant cut diamonds are evaluated. The AGS (American
Gem Society) suggests the following as the appropriate length to width ratio
for each of the following shapes:
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Shape
|
Ratio
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| Pear |
1.50: 1 to 1.75: 1 |
| Marquise |
1.75: 1 to 2.25: 1 |
| Emerald |
1.50: 1 to 1.75: 1 |
| Oval |
1.50: 1 to 1.75: 1 |
| Heart |
1.00: 1 to 1.25: 1 |
When you actually begin shopping, if the sales person helping you is unable to
explain "diamond cut grade" to you so that you understand it clearly . . . thank them
for any time spent with you . . . and leave. If you don't know the
diamond cut grade, you don't have the entire picture.
If you have any questions about diamond cut, ideal cut diamonds, diamond
proportions, or diamonds in general . . . please do not hesitate to call us. We will
answer each of your questions and then we will help you select a beautifully cut diamond for
less than from virtually any other source . . . including the internet.
The Ross Jewelry Company - 7 Piedmont Center, Suite 104 - Atlanta, Georgia - (404) 495-3720
We are proud members of the following jewelry industry organizations:
Copyright © 1999-2008 - Ideal Cut Diamonds - The Ross Jewelry Company, Incorporated Atlanta, Georgia. All rights reserved.
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