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The Importance of the Cut of Diamond Facets
The
quality of a diamond is dependent upon the cut of the facets which
reflect the brilliance, fire, sparkle and luster of a diamond.
In 1458 Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem of Brugge, Belgium created the first
cut diamonds when he discovered that they could be cut by their
own dust. Louis van Berquem invented a diamond polishing wheel called a
scaif which enabled him to cut the facets of a diamond. Berquem also
introduced the concept of using absolute symmetry in the placement of
facets on diamonds. From this point diamonds were used as ornaments in
jewelry and the process and different techniques for diamond cutting
were gradually developed.
Diamond Cuts
Diamond Cutting
Diamond Facets - Facets produce the sparkle
What exactly are facets?
Diamond facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which have been
cut, polished and positioned at different angles which allow light to
enter and reflect back from the stone. The depth and width and the
uniformity of the facets control the brilliance and the durability of a
diamond. The quality of the facets of a diamond are the major
determining factor in enhancing the diamond's ability to sparkle or
reflect light and play a large part in the resulting brilliance of the
stone. The following general definitions will help with increasing
understanding of diamond Facets:
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Definition of Brilliance: The amount of sparkle a stone gives off
through the reflection and refraction of light
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Definition of Sparkle: A measure of the light reflected out by a
diamond as it is viewed from different angles
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Definition of Dispersion: Dispersion refers to the prism of light
refracted from within a cut and polished diamond and relates to the
sparkling colors that are emitted from the stone as it is viewed
from different angles
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Definition of Fluorescence: An inherent property possessed by
diamonds resulting in glowing without an appreciable rise of
temperature when exposed to ultra-violet rays, cathode rays etc.
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Definition of Lustre / luster: Term used to describe the brightness
of an object that shines with reflected light rather than producing
its own
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Scintillation: Occurs when light bounces among the facets creating a
really sparkling display
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Definition of Culet: A tiny flat facet that cutters sometimes add at
the bottom of a diamond's pavilion. Its purpose is to protect
the tip of the pavilion from being chipped or damaged
Cabochon or Convex Cuts - An Unfaceted Gemstone
Definition of a
Cabochon: A modification to the gemstone face that creates a highly
polished, convex-cut, unfaceted gem that is smooth to the touch. When a stone
receives one or two convex faces with or without facets at the base, it
is said to be convex cut, (e.g
Almandine Garnet). But when its facets are simply polished, it is said to
be cut 'en cabochon' as in the Opal and Cat's-eye. In ancient times the
Sapphire was always so cut. A stone cut with a flattish convex surface
is said to be
tallow-topped.
Diamonds - Precious - Stone -
Guide - Color - Facts - Information -Info - Jewelry - Jewellery -
Properties
Quality - Settings - Shapes - Sizes - Structure - Jewel - Gem - Gemstone
Diamond Facets
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