|
Loose diamonds
are cut or uncut diamonds that have not yet been placed onto its
setting. The cut determines the brilliance of a diamond
which can vary in cut, clarity, color and weight. The diamond
cutter must place each diamonds facets in exact geometric
relation to one another.
When a stone is cut to proper
proportions, it allows for the best use of light to reflect the
brilliance of the diamond. An improper cut will be obvious
since the reflections would not properly invert, but rather
bounce off the stone into various directions.
Loose diamonds can come in various shapes, colors and
sizes with the most popular being:
►
Round
The most popular of all
diamond cuts. It is also referred to as the brilliant cut or
Tolkowsky's cut. It covers nearly 80% of all diamond sales
worldwide. Russian Mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky's discovered
the proportions needed for a diamond to achieve maximum
brilliance. He discovered that the ideal cut diamond would have
roughly 57-58 facets.
►
Princess
Also known as the Square
cut. It has become one of the most popular diamond ring cuts in
the later part of the century. Its ideal cut is in the 60%-68%
range. Its brilliance has been compared to that of the Round
Brilliant. Perfect for an engagement ring
►
Pear
Sometimes referred to as the
tear drop for its resemblance of a tear. Very popular as a
pendant, earring or necklace
►
Marquise 
Resembles the shape of a
football. Was actually meant to look like the mouth of the
Marquise of Pompadour.
Other fancy
diamonds:
►
Oval
 ►
Heart 
►
Radiant
►
Emerald
 ►
Asscher
 ►
Cushion
|
