Diamond Jewellery Auckland NZ Diamonds: cut diamonds diamond carat shapes of diamonds

Diamonds - the 4 C's Diamond Guide

CUT - This is the shape of the diamond, and can be established with the naked eye. A round stone has 58 facets, which must be in perfect proportion; ensuring light is reflected to the top of the stone. This gives the stone its beautiful ‘life’. The original shape of the rough stone often determines the shape of the cut and polished diamond, e.g. pear shape. The number of facets of fancy shaped stones may vary.

CARAT - This refers to the weight of the diamond. The carat reading of a stone is also an indication of its size although it is actually a measure of weight. 1 Carat = 100 points = 200 milligrams = approximately a 6.5 mm round stone. For a .75 or a 3/4 carat stone is the same as a 75 "points".

COLOUR - The perfect white stone has no colour, and is graded as D. Going down the alphabet, between D to J, stones are graded as white. From K to Z, a yellowish tint may be detected. Jewellery stones technically often have a hint of colour, which makes it more affordable, although it looks white to the naked eye. Recommended colours for jewellery stones are: Yellow / Red gold: H, I, J, K, or better. White gold and platinum: G, H, I, or better.

CLARITY - Clarity refers to the purity of the stone. Most stones have minute inclusions, both in or outside. These non-crystallized carbon specs can be white or black. Ideally one should choose a jewellery grade stone with inclusions that cannot be detected by the naked eye. The recommended clarity for round jewellery stones: VS1 to SI2, or better. Emerald cut jewellery stones: VS1 to VS2, or better.

Diamonds - Diamond Shapes

Round brilliant cut diamonds
An extremely popular diamond shape, and for good reason. The round-brilliant cut is the most optically brilliant because of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A great choice for maximum sparkle and shine
Princess cut diamonds
A modern classic: clean, square lines and beautiful sparkle. This shape is the perfect choice if you prefer a square or rectangular outline with brilliant sparkle.
Emerald cut diamonds
The clean lines of this classic shape come from step-cutting or parallel line facets. Larger inclusions are sometimes more visible to the unaided eye, so emerald shape diamonds usually need to be of higher clarity.
Radiant diamonds
A square or rectangular cut combining the elegance of the emerald shape diamond with the brilliance of the round, and its 70 facets maximize the effect of its color refraction.
Asscher cut diamonds
This elegant shape is a variation on a classic emerald cut developed in 1902 by the venerable Asscher brothers in Holland. It is usually cut to a square outline as opposed to rectangular.
Pear shaped diamonds
Beautiful and feminine with a rounded end on one side and a tapering point at the other. It’s lovely as the centre stone in a ring, a pendant or pair of drop earrings. Good symmetry is a must for pear-cut diamonds to ensure that light is reflected evenly, especially in the point.
Oval cut diamonds
The oval is similar to a round-brilliant cut combining the round's sparkle with a flattering, elongated outline. It makes a good choice for someone who wants a unique shape but loves the fire and brilliance of a round diamond.
Marquise cut diamonds
A regal, elongated shape with tapering points at both ends. This shape tends to flatter the finger, making it appear longer.
Heart shaped diamonds
The most romantic of diamond shapes! The complexity of the shape requires skilled cutting to ensure proper brilliance. Symmetry is obviously important, the lobes should be rounded (not pointed) and clearly defined.
Trillion cut diamond
The trillion cut diamond - and the variation, the trilliant cut diamond - are the main style of triangular shapes diamonds. Originally developed in Amsterdam, the trillion cut is often used as complimentary side stones in a setting and is considered a variant of the radiant cut. Trilliant cut diamonds have the sharp corners of a true triangle while trillion cuts have slightly more rounded corners
Cushion cut diamond
The cushion cut diamond, also called a pillow cut diamond and a candlelight diamond, is an antique diamond cut with a pillow shape. The cushion cut diamond has large open facets and while they are not known for their fire or brilliance – they are closely identified with the romantic qualities if a classic diamond cut. So when choosing this diamond it is recommended in high clarity. Their shape ranges from square to rectangular.
Baguette cut diamond
The baguette cut diamond can be either long and narrow or more rectangular in shape like an emerald cut diamond’s proportions. When used as a primary stone in a setting - the proportions usually are more rectangular. Baguette stones are typically used as accent stones in a setting.