Diamond

Diamond is a crystalline form of carbon.Its rarity makes it extremely valuable and precious. The combination of the 4Cs, namely Cut, Clarity, Carat and Colour, determines the value of a particular diamond.

Cut

While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and colour, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-
like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful and certainly less valuable. A well cut or faceted diamond, regardless of
its shape, scintillates with fire and light, offering the greatest brilliance.

Ideal Cut Diamond

Every angle, proportion, and facet in a cut diamond contributes to its light reflection, so variations in any or all of them have a definite effect on the beauty of the diamond. An Ideal Cut round brilliant diamond is one which is cut to
an exact mathematical proportions and angles, to create a diamond of irresistible beauty.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Masterly craftsmen continuously strive to obtain the most ideal cut to release the maximum brilliance and fire from a diamond. The Super Ideal Cut, with the following three qualities surpasses the Ideal Cut in creating a diamond of
unequalled magnificence.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

Perfect Cut Proportion

Super ideal cut proportion is similar to the ideal cut proportion, except in the extra 1% on the table length and the depth.

Perfect Symmetry

Perfect Symmetry refers to the identical and exact size and angle placement of each facet. Only with this quality, can the diamond release an even radiance. Without perfect symmetry, the facets cannot reflect the same level of
brightness, which reduces the diamond's brilliance.

Perfect Polish

Polish refers to the finishing of a diamond. The surface of a perfectly polished diamond is flat and smooth, allowing light to reflect evenly through every facet.

Super Ideal Cut Diamond

When a diamond meets all of the above three criteria, 8 perfect arrows and 8 perfect hearts can be observed with a special scope. These are significant proofs of a super ideal cut diamond.

Clarity

The greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable and rare it is. Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, yet many are invisible to the naked eye. Under the scrutiny of a jeweller's 10X magnifier, natural
phenomena called inclusions may be seen. These are nature's birthmarks.

The number, colour, type, size and position of the birthmarks affect a diamond's value. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through a diamond, diminishing its brilliance and sparkle and therefore its value.

Carat

Carat is the measurement of a diamond's weight.

One carat is equal to 0.2 gram or 100 points. Because large diamonds are found relatively infrequently in nature, diamonds' worth go up almost exponentially with their weight.

Colour

Diamonds can be classified into "colourless diamonds" and "fancy coloured diamonds". Colourless diamonds are graded by colour, starting at D and continuing through the alphabet. Truly colourless stones, graded D, are treasured
for their rarity and value, and are highest in quality. Fancy coloured diamonds in well defined colours that include red, pink, blue, green and canary yellow are particularly rare and very highly priced.

Shape

Diamonds are cut in many fancy shapes. As the shape and distribution of inclusions vary with each raw stone, diamonds are cut into different shapes in order to avoid flaws and to minimize the wastage. People often choose
different shapes according to their own preferences. The following are the most popular shapes in the market:

Round Brilliant

The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular shape, and accounts for about 3 out of 4 diamonds purchased today. It is designed to produce the greatest brilliance and reflection of light.

Princess

Princess cut is the second most popular shape on the market. Its table appears as a square-like rectangular shape. The pavilion of princess shape is cut according to that of the round brilliant, which increases the brilliance of the
diamond but also increases the use of materials.

Oval

The Oval shape is an extension of round brilliant, it looks larger than its actual size because of the elongated shape. Rings set with oval diamonds are suitable for ladies with small hands or shorter fingers.

Heart

Heart shape is a symbol of romance. It bears some similarity to the pear shape. To avoid significant inclusions, the cutter often prefers cutting the heart shape to the pear shape. This shape is seen frequently in pendants, but is suitable
for most any purpose.

Emerald

The Emerald cut is not a brilliant cut, but is called a step cut. Step cuts are comprised of larger facets, which act like mirrors. Because of the angle, size and shape of the facets, the emerald cut shows less brilliance and fire than the
brilliant cut diamonds. However, the emerald cut stone reveals a classic and aristocratic elegance and beauty not seen in other cuts. Because of the open and large nature of the facets, it is highly recommended that you consider
staying at higher colour and clarity grades.

Marquise

An elongated shape with 2 pointed ends just like the eye of a horse. This special shape is especially suitable for people with unique style.

Pear

Pear shape combines the best of oval and marquise but the appearance is much softer. Pear shaped diamond ring can accentuate long and slender fingers. It is also beautiful for setting pendants and earrings.

About the Author:
Over 30 years on Fine Jewelry and diamond industry and worked for various multi-national and listed Jewelry retailers in Asia Pacific such as Bridal one, Chow Sang Sang, Wedding grown, BelleDiamond, Emphasis and Duo.

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