Welcome back to the Diamonds Hatton Garden blog where we bring you the latest insights from our Hatton Garden jewellers. Following on from our buying guides to various fancy cut diamond shapes, we look to continue with our educational themed blogs with today’s article looking at different diamond cuts. In our three part series we look at the three main types of diamond cuts: the brilliant cut, the modified brilliant cut and the step cut. Today we explore the brilliant cut and look into the different types of brilliant cut diamonds that are available.
What is a diamond cut?
Before a diamond cutter chooses the specific cut of a diamond, they will analyse the rough diamond and note its unique inclusions and carat weight which impact the specific cut of the diamond. In most cases, a diamond will be octahedra, making it ideal for a round brilliant cut. Why is this? A rough diamond will be cut and polished into two faceted gems without it losing too much carat weight thus making the cutting more effective and wasting less of the rough. Therefore, a diamond cut determines the diamond’s fire, brilliance and scintillation levels; it’s the technical aspects used to maximise the diamond’s brilliance.
What is a brilliant cut diamond?
A brilliant cut diamond is a diamond that has a certain amount of facets and is cut in a way to maximise its brilliance. Diamond brilliance refers to the white light reflected off of a diamond. It’s one of the optical properties of diamond that reflects its beauty and value, and by extension, its price. A diamond’s brilliance also forms the basis of its sparkle and brightness.
What specific guidelines make a diamond cut into a brilliant?
Over the course of centuries with the advent of new technologies and a greater understanding of uncut diamonds, the brilliant cut has evolved. We detail the history of the brilliant cut in our dedicated post but, for those wanting a quick overview, the brilliant cut emerged from the Old European Cut. As styles changed, the demand for greater brilliance did too and through refinement and skill the standard crown height, table size, culet size, depth and the length of the facets on the lower half of the diamond became the hallmarks of a brilliant cut diamond.
What should you consider when choosing a brilliant cut diamond?
One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing any round brilliant diamond is to go for the style that the wearer will treasure the most. There are many brilliant diamonds on the market but most commonly, and most popular by far a round brilliant engagement ring. In general, brilliant cut diamonds should ideally have excellent symmetry and cut which will allow the light to refract within the stone and create exceptional sparkle and brilliance. Indeed, try looking for diamonds with a clarity or low inclusions (VS2 and above) as well as a colour of G and upwards. Of course, if you are unsure our family run jewellers are available to help you understand the careful balance of your budget in order to get the very best for you.
How popular are brilliant cut diamonds?
Another way to phrase this question is, why are brilliant cut diamonds so popular? Historically speaking, and even today, the brilliant cut is the one that we all think of when we think of diamonds. With great sparkle and fire, the cut has come to symbolise what a diamond is for some. Of course, step cut diamonds are equally beautiful but are cherished and prized for different reasons – meaning that comparing a brilliant cut diamond to a step cut one isn’t an exact science.
What are some popular buying options for brilliant cut diamonds? Types of metals, other ring options?
The most famous and popular of all brilliant cut diamonds is the round brilliant. Indeed, this diamond cut has become the very symbol of the diamond itself. It is a great choice not only for diamond engagement rings but also diamond earrings, diamond necklaces and set into beautiful diamond tennis bracelets. With no sharp corners, it can be worn daily and is not prone to chipping. As well as being a popular choice in jewellery, it also happens to be extremely versatile and can be set into a wide array of different metals and styles of rings from halo diamond engagement rings to solitaire diamond engagement rings.
Types of brilliant cut diamonds:
Whilst we often think of a brilliant diamond as the round brilliant, the cut also refers to oval, cushion or princess cut diamonds as well. All of these wonderful shapes are available at our workshop and we work with you to ensure that you choose a brilliant cut diamond that captures your love and will be cherished forever.
At Diamonds Hatton Garden our team of family-run jewellers have assisted generations of clients to find their perfect round brilliant diamond engagement ring. Contact our team via harel@diamondshg.co.uk or call +44 7951 060238 for more information and to arrange your appointment. Alternatively, explore our selection of fancy coloured diamonds for sale and if you are looking to buy fancy Pink diamond jewellery contact our team as well as viewing our latest Diamond engagement rings in Hatton Garden. Or contact our team to sell diamonds in London.