The Art of Diamond Selection: The Basics of Diamond Cuts

When selling diamonds, it's crucial to consider different cuts. Understanding how diamonds are cut impacts their sparkle, brilliance, and, consequently, their market value. In this article, we'll explore various types of diamond cuts, their historical significance, and the significance of presenting your diamond in its best light for sale.

The Different Cuts of Diamonds

From the timeless elegance of the round brilliant cut to the contemporary allure of the princess cut and the vintage appeal of the emerald cut, each diamond shape offers a unique aesthetic and personality to your cherished pieces.

• Round Brilliant Cut Diamond: Celebrated for its unparalleled sparkle, the round brilliant cut features 58 facets, meticulously arranged to maximize light reflection. The result is a captivating sparkle that captures attention from every angle.

• Princess Cut Diamond: You can spot a princess cut for its signature square or rectangular shape. Characterized by sharp corners its brilliant facets enhance its traditional beauty, making it a popular choice for those seeking a modern yet timeless look.

• Emerald Cut Diamond: With its elongated rectangular shape and step-cut facets, the emerald cut exudes clarity and sophistication. With an emphasis on clean lines, it's a firm favorite for those who appreciate understated elegance.

• Marquise Cut Diamond: Designed with a graceful boat-shaped silhouette, the marquise cut features pointed ends that create the illusion of longer, slender fingers. By maximizing carat weight, it emanates regal grace and timeless refinement.

• Pear Cut Diamond: Merging the brilliance of a round cut diamond with the distinction of a marquise cut, the pear cut is recognized for its romantic teardrop shape. This versatile cut is perfect for both classic and contemporary pieces.

• Oval Cut Diamond: Offering a distinctive twist on the traditional round brilliant cut, the classic oval cut is shaped in an elongated manner, creating the illusion of a larger diamond size. Its sleek proportions and radiant shimmer make it ideal for those looking to evoke timeless elegance.

• Heart Cut Diamond: A heart cut diamond derives its romantic aesthetic from its pointed bottom and rounded top. As a universal symbol of love and affection, it's a go-to cut for engagement rings and romantic gestures.

• Cushion Cut Diamond: In the spirit of old-world glamour, the cushion cut boasts a plush, pillow-like appearance that delicately shimmers in the light. Its rounded corners exude vintage elegance, ensuring an eternally chic piece that transcends trends.

• Asscher Cut Diamond: Closely resembling the emerald cut but with a unique square shape, the asscher cut showcases larger step facets that create a mesmerizing hall-of-mirrors effect. Its vintage-inspired finish and geometric symmetry make it an exquisite choice for those with discerning taste.

How are Diamonds Cut? A Balance of Mastery and Precision

When it comes to the question of how diamonds are cut, there is a unique science that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Different cut diamonds each have intricate details that determine their shine and sparkle. These include key parameters such as their shape, proportion, symmetry, and polish. 

For example, the proportion to which diamonds are cut dictates how they capture and reflect the light. In the same way, the symmetry of different cuts of diamonds determines how their facets align, allowing for different degrees of light dispersion. Finally, different cut diamonds can be subject to different polishing, which impacts their smoothness, clarity and any surface imperfections that could interfere with light transmission.

The difference in how diamonds are cut makes a remarkable impact on how they are perceived when worn. An expertly cut diamond with perfectly aligned facets will serve as a prism, refracting the light in a mesmerizing display of radiance. On the other hand, a poorly cut diamond allows light to leak, in turn diminishing a diamond’s sparkle and taking away from its inherent beauty.

From Past to Present: The Evolution of Different Cut Diamonds

The story of different cuts of diamonds spans centuries, evolving from the basic, more streamlined designs of times gone by, to today's intricate and often complex arrangements. While in the past diamonds typically had minimal facets, today, advancements in technology have meant sophisticated designs have become increasingly popular, such as round brilliant, emerald, and princess cuts.

Compared to their predecessors, these contemporary diamond cuts allow for elevated elegance and sparkle, as craftsmen continue to experiment and push the boundaries of diamond-cutting techniques. That's not to say the influence of vintage diamond cuts isn't still observable in modern designs. Jewelry makers continue to take inspiration from traditional styles, ensuring that the legacy of the craft remains ever-present and appealing to consumers.

How to Decide Between the Different Cuts of Diamonds

When updating your jewelry collection and considering selling your old pieces to make room for new ones, choosing the ideal diamond cut becomes a personal journey. It's essential to reflect on your unique style, personality, and the practicality of the piece you're envisioning. Whether you seek a diamond for everyday wear, special occasions, or as an heirloom piece to treasure, here are our tips for deciding between the different cuts of diamonds:

Your Personal Taste: When selecting from different cut diamonds, it's essential to consider your personal taste and style preferences. Take a moment to reflect on your existing wardrobe and the overall look you want to achieve. Are you drawn to the understated elegance of quiet luxury, or do you lean towards a more playful and vintage-inspired aesthetic? 

Lifestyle matters: Different cut diamonds are suited to different types of lifestyles. For example, if you're a sporty individual who enjoys outdoor activities, opting for a more durable cut is advisable to withstand the demands of your active lifestyle. Princess cut diamonds are an excellent choice as they are less susceptible to chipping compared to the round brilliant cut, which features exposed corners.

Prioritize Sparkle: How diamonds are cut truly makes a difference in how they interact with light, ultimately defining their brilliance and sparkle. To ensure your diamond captures attention, opt for cuts that maximize light reflection and refraction. Among the different cut diamonds, we recommend the round brilliant cut for its unparalleled ability to glimmer from every facet.

Buying and Selling Your Diamonds

With so many different cuts of diamonds, you may find getting specific and correct information particularly overwhelming. For this reason, don't hesitate to seek advice from knowledgeable jewelry experts or gemologists. 

This also applies if you’re thinking of making space in your collection for some new diamonds. Whether you're looking to sell a piece you have inherited or simply part ways with diamonds you no longer wear,  it's crucial to approach the selling process with utmost consideration. The good news is – a jewelry advisor like those we have on our team at Auctentic can help you navigate the process with confidence. We'll help you to get the best possible price for your precious jewels, ensuring a smooth transaction guided by an experienced expert throughout every stage of the process.