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 starting with the modified brilliant cut.
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 modified brilliant cut?
A modified brilliant cut is basically just what its name says – a brilliant cut diamond that has been altered from its traditional round shape. As a type of diamond shape, the majority of fancy cut diamonds are modified brilliant cuts – a brilliant cut that has been reshaped into a different shape.
What are the different types of modified brilliant cut?
Oval cut, heart-shaped diamonds, marquise cut, and pear shaped diamonds are the most popular modified brilliant cuts. Below we can see the visual difference between modified brilliant and step cuts:
What are the differences between a modified brilliant cut and a step cut?
The biggest difference between a diamond that is brilliant cut and a diamond that is step cut is the level of sparkle that the diamond produces. Step-cut diamonds have a cleaner, clearer look whilst modified-brilliant cuts are more sparkly. With brilliant cut diamonds, the table and the girdle is polished and cut in a way to give the diamond maximise fire, brilliance and scintillation where-as the step cut features parallel rows of facets for a clean, minimal look.
What to consider when choosing a modified brilliant cut diamond?
Fire
A modified brilliant diamond should sparkle intensely when viewed – comparable to a round diamond.
Be careful
Often, modified brilliant diamonds have sharp points meaning that, whilst the hardest substance, they can still chip. Ensure that your diamond is securely mounted and be careful as to not chip the stone.
Look at the grading report
When you purchase a diamond, it comes with a grading report from a reputable lab, like GIA. It should clearly indicate that you are purchasing a modified brilliant. Of course, it will also provide invaluable information including a full description of the stone, colour, weight, measurements, and cutting style.
At Diamonds Hatton Garden our team of family-run jewellers have assisted generations of clients to find their perfect large 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 yellow diamonds for sale and if you are looking to buy fancy Pink diamond jewellery contact our team as well as viewing our latest Diamond earrings in Hatton Garden. Or contact our team to sell diamonds in London.