bidz.com Blog

Gemstones are valued by several different factors. One of these factors is the cut of the stone. The cut of the gemstone is as important as the clarity or quality. A poorly cut gemstone can ruin the once brilliant quality of the gem, while a well cut stone can enhance the natural beauty.

When gems and stones are properly cut they shine; they shimmer; they are beautiful. Judging a proper cut is not a difficult task if you know what to look for. To test the cut of a gem, look at it from directly above the gem. The surface should be bright, reflecting as much light as possible. You should not be able to see directly through the gemstone if it has been properly cut because you should instead see reflected light!

On the other hand, a poorly cut gemstone can be either too shallow or too deep. A poor cut causes for what is called a ‘window’ meaning that you can see directly through the gem. If you were holding the gem over a table, in other words, you would be able to see the table. Light does not properly reflect off of a poorly cut gemstone causing it to be dull and to lose it sparkle potential.

They say when judging the cut of a gem look for mirrors, not windows! In other words, look for the facets—you don’t want to be able to see directly through the gem; you want to see reflections. Facets reflect light and cause the gem to sparkle. Even an extremely clear gemstone is not worth your buck if the cut is poor!

“Rio de Janeiro-based jeweler H. Stern has had frequent mentions in the media for the jewelry it provides for movie stars on the runway. The latest star to get the H. Stern treatment is its proprietary, asymmetrically cut diamond called the “Stern Star.”

Already introduced in Brazil, H. Stern now is bringing the unusual fancy cut to the U.S. this fall. Developed over three years and cut in Israel, the Stern Star has what the company refers to as an organic shape: the cut is neither round nor triangular but a “blend of forms found in nature.”The Stern Star boasts more reflective light than most traditionally cut stones. Its table has wider surfaces than a round stone and has 20 internal facets. Thus, the Stern Star has “an exceptional, almost kaleidoscopic, hypnotic radiance,” says Roberto Stern, creative director.
[..]
Due to its complexities of cutting the Stern Star, the diamonds will be available on a limited basis for the time being. “There are only three people in the world that can cut the diamonds this way so it isn’t being offered on a large scale yet,” Hansen says.”
modernjeweler.com

“William Goldberg Diamond Corporation has re-created a classic diamond cut. The Ashoka based on the famous diamond of the same name. Patented in 2000 the William Goldberg Ashoka (62 facets) is a modified version of the antique cushion cut. With a rectangular girdle outline, and rounded corners that capture and disperse light to create a strong brilliance.”
njdiamonds.wordpress.com

No matter what the cut or carat,Bidz.com loves diamonds as you will see by browsing our generous selection of diamond jewelry now online.

“Brilliant Lady 21, a new and innovative diamond cut, designed to maximise its brilliance. A theoretical study has been accomplished in the development of the Brilliant Lady 21 design, taking into consideration the optical properties of diamond such as light reflection and dispersion.”

The Brilliant Lady 21 is a round stone with 221 facets, 163 more than the classical brilliant cut. Facets produce reflection, a higher number of facets result in increased brilliance. Each facet is skilfully positioned to capture and disperse as much light as possible in order to impart more brilliance than any other known diamond cut.”
brilliant-lady21.com

Apparently there is some debate as to the actual superiority of this manner of diamond cutting, standard diamonds usually having merely 58 facets. Some diamond manufacturers are claiming these intricately cut diamonds are more brilliant.

Diamonds are, if nothing else, a fertile source of inspiration and as through all recorded history, man will keep trying to perefect this amazing stone.