CUT:FACET ARRANGEMENT
Step Cut
"Step cut" refers to a cutting style in which facets are placed parallel to the
girdle in a step- like fashion. The step cut is characterized by the uncomplicated
pattern of reflections created by its parallel surfaces, which give it a static
brilliance unlike the lively sparkle of the brilliant cut. Along with the brilliant
cut, the step cut is a representative style of faceted cuts.
The emerald cut is a square or rectangular step cut with beveled corners. There
are various other step-cut shapes, such as squares, and baguettes (small rectangles)
and tapered baguettes, which are often used as accent stones. Colored stones
are sometimes cut with a step-cut crown and brilliant-cut pavilion, and vice
versa. These are called "mixed" cuts. |
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Weight:1.54
ct
Size(mm):L7..8 xW5.7 xD3.79
Untreated
US$20,000 |
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Brilliant
Cut
As the photograph below demonstrates,
a brilliant cut is a cutting style
in which the facets radiate outward
toward the girdle. The round brilliant
cut used for diamonds is a fundamental
brilliant cut, often just called
a "round" or "brilliant" cut. The
marquise brilliant cut and pear-shaped
brilliant cut also have their names
shortened to either the cut (facet
arrangement) or shape (face-up outline),
and are simply referred to as "marquise"
or "pear shape." As its name implies,
the brilliant cut is a facet arrangement
style that brings out strong brilliance,
a different beauty than the dignified
and serene beauty of the step cut. |
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Weight:1.01ct
Size(mm):Diameter6.4 x D4.00
Untreated
US$14,000 |
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Weight:1.14
ct
Size(mm):L5.7 xW5.4 xD4.29
Untreated
US$12,000 |
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Princess
Cut
The princess cut is a style that succeeds
in merging the scintillation of a brilliant
cut with a square shape. The princess
cut is the most popular square cut developed
to date. |
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JUDGING QUALITY
An ice-like level of transparency, a brilliance
that seems to emanate from within the stone,
and an overall balance of appearance are
the quality factors of an emerald-cut diamond.
There is no way to grasp this other than
by visual observation and comparison. Ninety-nine
percent of this beauty depends upon the
quality of the rough crystal. High-quality
crystals are polished by skilled cutters
to create emerald-cut diamonds.
Step cuts generally have subdued brilliance,
making their internal characteristics easier
to see. Especially in stones over one carat
with a clarity grade of SI2 (containing
noticeable inclusions that are very easy
to see under 10x magnification), imperfections
may be visible to the unaided eye and detract
from beauty. Therefore, one must carefully
inspect the actual stone when judging quality.
A critical factor in judging any gemstone
is the quality of its overall appearance.
This may seem like a simplistic statement,
but such a judgment involves many complexities.
There are various elements to consider,
such as the balance of the beveled corners,
whether the gemstone is too deep, whether
the facets are the appropriate size and
add to the presence of the stone, and
so forth. However, careful consideration
of the relative factors will make the
quality of the cut apparent, allowing
you to judge the quality of its overall
appearance.
When light-colored rough material is
fashioned into emerald cuts, its color
often ends up looking washed-out. Light
yellow material is often cut into princess
cuts, deepening the apparent color and
yielding more attractive gemstones. |
