The 4Cs of the diamond: the Cut
We return to discussing the 4Cs: the qualities every diamond must have to be considered as such! Today we will examine the cut, the second "c" that we will discover together.
What is the cut?
The cut of a diamond is the refined shape obtained from its rough stone form. More specifically, it describes the work done on the rough diamond, which is cut and polished according to precise mathematical calculations.
The purpose of the cut is to create a stone that can reflect as much light as possible.
The history of the cut
Diamond cutting techniques date back hundreds of years. However, the best one dates to 1919 and is still used today. It is the result of the mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky, who developed the "brilliant" cut, more rounded, calculating the shape best suited for light dispersion. The brilliant cut remains the most valuable today.
Before the cut
Before reaching the finished work, the cutter must consider the shape of the rough stone, the cut they want to achieve, and the proportions and symmetry of the stone they have.
No chance: the types of cut
There are specific mathematical guidelines to determine the length ratios and angles a diamond must have to reflect the maximum amount of light.
The most common diamond cut shape is the round one, called brilliant. This term identifies a round cut with a minimum of 57 polished facets. It is important to specify that all gems can be cut in the brilliant style, but aesthetic differences arise due to their different light refraction indexes. Other types of cut include oval brilliant, heart, marquise, pear, emerald, Dutch rose... so many (and so old!) that some are falling out of use. Among the more recent are the princess, radiant, barion, and cushion cuts.
Where are diamonds cut?
The main centre for diamond cutting for hundreds of years has been the city of Antwerp in Belgium, where there is a whole district dedicated to diamonds, the Diamantkwartier. Over 12,000 technicians and workers still work there today, including cutters, polishers, and sales staff. India also holds an important position in the diamond world: the city of Surat currently works on nearly 80% of small-carat diamonds. Tel Aviv and New York are two other important producers, especially with the company De Beers.
The result
Based on the quality of the cut, diamonds have been divided into three categories: "very good" (with perfect symmetry and proportions); "good" (with less precision in proportions); "poor" (with numerous defects). A poor cut can lead to significant financial losses.
The cut greatly contributes to raising the diamond’s value on the market, but above all to increasing the brightness of the precious stone, making it even more beautiful to our eyes!
