Diamond Guides
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A Guide to Diamond Cuts and Diamond Shapes
The cut and shape of a diamond determine its character and presence, and both are essential considerations. A cut should always be perfectly balanced, its facets symmetrical and mirror-like. The shape governs how light is reflected and refracted through the stone, defining its overall brilliance and lustre. This Ralph Karouni guide explores diamond cuts and shapes, so that every detail is understood when choosing your diamond.
Selecting the perfect diamond cut
The shape of a diamond defines its radiant personality, each carefully considered facet crafted by hand to reveal its innate splendour. Every cut carries its own inimitable character and charm. A diamond engagement ring should capture the imagination and make a uniquely scintillating statement on the finger.
Round Brilliant Diamond
With 57 or 58 individually handcrafted facets that refract light from every angle, the eternally elegant round brilliant cut is designed for maximum luminosity. A sensational centrepiece for a single stone ring, each perfectly proportioned round brilliant diamond offers the highest levels of fire and brilliance.
Emerald Cut Diamond
Rectangular or square, with bevelled corners, the emerald cut is an exquisitely elegant diamond shape. Its mirror-like table accentuates sleek, symmetrical proportions and long, clear facets, while leaving little room to conceal imperfection. A stone of exceptional quality is required to showcase this strikingly beautiful cut.
Pear Shape Diamond
A timeless and sophisticated choice, the tapered silhouette of the pear shape unites the brilliance of a round cut with the elongating grace of the marquise. Worn with the point toward the hand, it elegantly lengthens the finger, offering a distinctive yet enduring expression of refinement.
Oval Diamond
A graceful variation of the round brilliant cut, the oval diamond delivers the same extraordinary fire within an elongated silhouette. Its proportions create the impression of a larger stone and flatter the hand, making it a captivating choice for those who desire brilliance with a singular presence.
Heart Shape Diamond
The most romantic of all diamond cuts, a heart shape is the ultimate symbol of love and devotion. Its beauty lies in precise symmetry, the two halves of the stone perfectly mirrored, requiring exceptional skill to achieve a silhouette of flawless balance and brilliance.
Cushion Cut Diamond
A timeless diamond cut, the softly rounded corners and larger facets of the cushion cut recall the romance of a bygone era. Combining the brilliance of a round cut with the warmth of a vintage silhouette, it casts a gentle, candlelit glow that is endlessly enchanting.
How are diamonds cut?
The work of our master cutters and polishers demands astonishing skill, precision and patience. With limitless passion and the steadiest of hands, they bring each stone to life, unlocking its exceptional beauty time after time.
Planning: Each rough diamond is carefully studied to determine the ideal way to cut it, taking into account its shape and size. The cutter typically marks the stone with a series of lines to guide the process.
Cleaving: The diamond is then cleaved using specialised tools such as a diamond saw or laser, splitting the stone along its natural planes.
Bruting: Next, the diamond is shaped into a preliminary form, often round or oval, by grinding its edges against a rotating wheel.
Faceting: Once bruted, the cutter facets the stone to create the desired shape and cut, arranging each small, polished surface in a precise geometric pattern to maximise its brilliance.
Polishing: Each facet is then polished. This time-intensive stage ensures every angle is exact, drawing out the full beauty of the stone.
Final cleaning: The diamond is cleaned to remove any residue from the cutting and polishing process.
Final inspection: The finished diamond is inspected and graded for quality against the criteria of colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Our diamond experts can help you understand the nuances of each cut and how it shapes a diamond's overall character. Every Ralph Karouni diamond is meticulously evaluated at every stage of its journey, in accordance with the 4Cs as prescribed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The House of Ralph Karouni
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