Fashion

Here's Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Cuts

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When we talk about the four Cs of diamonds, carat is usually the one that gets all the attention. (The bigger the better, right?!) But, as it turns out, cut is actually the most important factor to consider when you're buying a diamond. In fact, cut is what determines how a diamond looks overall—especially how much it sparkles.
How to tell which cut is better than the rest? Here's everything you need to know about diamond cuts. 
Diamond shapes 
First, it's important to get familiar with the most common shapes a diamond can be cut into. Of course, the most popular is the standard round cut, then there is princess cut (square), oval, marquis (more of a football-shaped oval), pear, and cushion (a rounded square). There are also more specialty shapes like heart and radiant (rectangle).
Cut considerations 
There are many factors that go into determining the quality of a diamond’s cut, from depth, to proportion, to facets, table percentage (how big the top of the diamond is), girdle width (how wide the edge is from the table to the bottom half of the diamond is), and symmetry. Luckily, you don't need to be an expert in all of these components. When a diamond is graded (from excellent to poor) all of these factors are taken into consideration. Always look at the overall rating rather than one aspect individually when determining which cut is the best.
Depth 
While you don't need to know everything about each grading consideration, it's helpful to have some basic knowledge when making a decision on a diamond, since these components will be listed on your diamond's certification. You don't want to base a diamond purchase on this factor alone, but it could be a helpful tie-breaker. 
Table percentage 
In conjunction with depth, table percentage boosts the overall appearance of the diamond size. Zales 1 carat Celebration Grand diamonds boast a 14% larger table than most diamonds, making it appear larger than other diamonds of the same size. 
Proportion 
This factor is all about light, as in how much light goes into and reflects off of or back out of your diamond. Proportion directly affects the light return from the diamonds which is measured in three ways: brightness (how much white light is reflected from the gem), fire (how much color light is reflected from a diamond), and scintillation (how much the light flashes or sparkles as the diamond is moved in relation to the lighting source). The Zales Celebration Fire diamond is designed for exceptional proportion with 71 facets and an exquisitely perfect symmetry that reveals 10 hearts and arrows. 
Facets and symmetry 
Another interesting consideration is how many facets a diamond has and how symmetrical these facets are with each other. The more symmetrical a diamond is, the better it can reflect light. Zales Celebration 102 features nearly twice the facets of a standard round brilliant diamond, producing amazing sparkle! Looking for your perfect sparkler? Find it at Zales
Natasha Burton
About The Author
Writer living in Santa Barbara, CA.
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