Cut - How a diamond is cut determines its beauty

Diamonds can be cut into many different shapes, and the more commonly available shapes are shown on the right. One of the most traditional and beautiful diamond cuts is the Round Brilliant, which is also the most common cut for a solitaire engagement ring. To illustrate the importance of the cut of a diamond, we will use the Round Brilliant as an example.The names of the various components of the cut are shown in the diagram below.

It is how well a diamond is cut, rather than its shape, that really determines its beauty. For example, the Round Brilliant cut requires the cutter to place each of the stone's 57 facets at precise angles and dimensions in order to maximise its fire and brilliance. Other cuts require the same degree of finesse and precision from the cutter.

Some cutters will compromise this critical area, either through lack of expertise or deliberately, to maximise the weight or carat of the diamond, in the mistaken belief that weight or size equals beauty and value.

The diagram below illustrates how the path of light through a round brilliant diamond is affected by the way it is cut. A stone that is cut too deep will have a higher carat value because it is heavier, but it will be less brilliant than a well cut stone. A stone that is cut too shallow may have a larger diameter, but again it will be less brilliant than a stone that is cut to ideal proportions.

The cutters who supply our diamonds are among the best in South Africa, and have decades of experience in the delicate art of bringing out a diamond's beauty. When you buy a diamond from us, you can be sure that it will be precisely proportioned to reflect the maximum amount of light and maximise fire and brilliance.

All of our Round Brilliant diamonds fall into the range of ideal proportions as defined by the dimensions in the diagram below.

We stock only Round Brilliant and Princess cuts, as they are the most popular cuts and provide best value for money.