Tag: Diamonds

Faceted Girdle in a Diamond
A faceted girdle in a diamond refers to a girdle that has been polished and cut into small facets, rather than left rough or bruted. This technique enhances the diamond’s overall appearance, improves light performance, and contributes to a higher symmetry grade.

What is the Girdle?
The girdle is the outer edge of a diamond, separating the crown (top) from the pavilion (bottom). It can vary in thickness and finish, impacting both durability and light reflection.

Types of Girdles in Diamonds
Girdle Type Description Common in
Faceted Girdle Polished with small, flat surfaces (facets) to enhance brilliance. High-quality diamonds, modern cuts.
Bruted Girdle Unpolished, frosted appearance, created using traditional bruting techniques. Older-cut diamonds, some industrial diamonds.
Polished Girdle Smooth, highly polished, without facets. Step-cut diamonds (Emerald, Asscher).
Benefits of a Faceted Girdle
Improves Light Performance – Helps reduce light leakage by allowing better refraction.
Enhances Symmetry & Proportions – Adds precision to the diamond’s cut.
Eliminates a Frosty Look – Unlike bruted girdles, faceted girdles appear more refined and modern.
Common in High-Quality Diamonds – Many GIA, DCLA, and IGI-certified diamonds feature faceted girdles.

Does a Faceted Girdle Affect Value?
A faceted girdle does not significantly change a diamond’s value but contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal and symmetry rating. It is often preferred in Round Brilliant, Cushion, and Oval diamonds, while step-cut diamonds like Emerald and Asscher may have a polished girdle instead.

Diamond Facets: Understanding the Cut & Light Performance
A facet is a flat, polished surface on a diamond that interacts with light to create brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The number, arrangement, and angles of these facets determine how well a diamond reflects and refracts light.

Types of Facets in a Diamond
A brilliant-cut diamond (such as a Round Brilliant) typically has 57 or 58 facets, depending on whether the culet is faceted. These facets are grouped into different sections:

Table Facet – The largest and central facet on the crown, responsible for most of the light entering the diamond.
Crown Facets – The upper portion of the diamond, including:
Star Facets (8) – Surround the table and direct light into the diamond.
Bezel Facets (8) – Kite-shaped facets between the star and upper girdle facets.
Upper Girdle Facets (16) – Connect the bezel facets to the girdle.
Girdle Facets – The outer edge, which may be bruted, polished, or faceted.
Pavilion Facets – The lower half of the diamond, responsible for light reflection, including:
Lower Girdle Facets (16) – Extend from the girdle down to the pavilion main facets.
Pavilion Main Facets (8) – Larger facets that control the return of light.
Culet Facet (Optional) – A tiny facet at the very bottom of the diamond (if present).
Facet Count in Different Diamond Cuts
Diamond Cut Number of Facets Key Features
Round Brilliant 57 or 58 Maximized brilliance & fire.
Princess Cut 58–76 Sharp corners, modern appeal.
Cushion Cut 58–64 Soft, rounded shape with vintage charm.
Emerald Cut 50–58 Step-cut, mirrors effect, less brilliance.
Oval Cut 57–58 Elongated brilliance, hides inclusions well.
Marquise Cut 58 Elegant, boat-shaped cut.
Pear Cut 58 Teardrop shape with brilliant facets.
Radiant Cut 70 Hybrid of step and brilliant cut.
Asscher Cut 50–58 Square step-cut with deep clarity.
Heart Cut 56–58 Romantic shape, requires symmetry.
Why Are Facets Important?
Brilliance – Facets control how light enters and exits the diamond, creating sparkle.
Fire – Well-angled facets disperse light into a spectrum of colors.
Scintillation – Facets create a contrast of light and dark patterns, enhancing visual appeal.
Cut Quality – The precision of facet arrangement impacts a diamond’s GIA Cut Grade (Excellent to Poor).

Faceted Girdle vs. Polished Girdle vs. Bruted Girdle
Faceted Girdle – Small, polished facets along the girdle to improve light performance.
Polished Girdle – Smooth and shiny, common in step-cut diamonds like Emerald and Asscher.
Bruted Girdle – Frosty or rough, found in older or unpolished diamonds.

1 Table

2 Bezel facets

3 Star Facets

4 Upper-Girdle Facet

5 Lower-Girdle Facets

6 Pavilion Main Facets

Eye-Visible Inclusions in Diamonds
An eye-visible inclusion in a diamond refers to an internal flaw or imperfection that can be seen with the naked eye, without the need for magnification. These inclusions can affect the diamond’s appearance, brilliance, and value, making clarity an essential factor when selecting a diamond.

Common Types of Eye-Visible Inclusions
Black Carbon Spots – Dark inclusions that stand out against the diamond’s transparency.
Feathers – Internal cracks that can weaken the diamond and be visible if large or positioned near the surface.
Clouds – Groups of tiny inclusions that create a hazy or milky appearance.
Crystals & Mineral Inclusions – Embedded natural crystals (can be white, black, or colored) visible within the diamond.
Pinpoints – Small white or black spots that, when clustered, can be noticeable.
Needles – Long, thin, needle-like inclusions that may reflect light.
Knots – Inclusions that reach the surface, sometimes appearing as bumps or rough areas.
Cavities – Small holes on the surface of the diamond, sometimes filled with foreign material.

Should You Buy a Diamond with Eye-Visible Inclusions?
For budget-conscious buyers: A well-placed SI1 inclusion can be a great value choice.
For engagement rings or investment pieces: Avoid visible inclusions, as they impact beauty and resale value.
For everyday wear: Ensure inclusions don’t weaken the diamond’s structure.
Would you like help selecting a diamond that looks flawless to the eye while staying within budget?

Eye-Clean Diamond: Understanding Clarity
An eye-clean diamond refers to a diamond that has no visible inclusions or blemishes when viewed with the naked eye from a standard viewing distance (about 15–30 cm). This term is important in diamond clarity grading, as it helps buyers choose diamonds that appear flawless without the high cost of an internally flawless (IF) or very high-clarity grade stone.

Key Factors in Eye-Clean Diamonds
Diamond Clarity Grades & Eye-Clean Standards

FL (Flawless) & IF (Internally Flawless) – Always eye-clean (no inclusions even under magnification).
VVS1 & VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included) – Essentially eye-clean, with inclusions only visible under 10x magnification.
VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included) – Generally eye-clean, with VS2 possibly showing inclusions in larger stones (2.00+ carats).
SI1 (Slightly Included 1) – May be eye-clean, but some stones might have visible inclusions. Careful selection is needed.
SI2 & I1 (Included 1) – Typically not eye-clean; inclusions are often visible without magnification.
I2 & I3 (Heavily Included) – Clearly visible inclusions that affect beauty and durability.
Size & Location of Inclusions

Inclusions near the edges (girdle) are less noticeable than those under the table (center of the diamond).
White or faint inclusions (like feathers or clouds) blend better than dark or black inclusions.
Smaller diamonds (under 1.00 ct) tend to be more eye-clean at lower clarity grades than larger diamonds.
Diamond Cut & Brilliance

Brilliant cuts (Round, Cushion, Princess, Radiant) can mask inclusions due to their sparkle.
Step cuts (Emerald, Asscher) reveal inclusions more easily because of their open faceting style.

Extra Facet in a Diamond
An extra facet in a diamond is an additional facet that is not part of the standard faceting pattern. These extra facets are typically unintended and can affect the diamond’s symmetry and overall appearance.

Causes of Extra Facets
Polishing Adjustments: Sometimes, extra facets are added during polishing to remove inclusions or surface blemishes.
Damage Repair: If a diamond has a small chip, an extra facet may be placed to smooth out the flaw.
Cutting Errors: Occurs when a cutter mistakenly places an additional facet that is not required by the ideal facet arrangement.
Intentional Artistic Choice: In rare cases, an extra facet may be added to enhance the diamond’s light performance.
Impact on Diamond Quality
Symmetry Grade Reduction – Extra facets can lower a diamond’s symmetry grade, affecting its overall cut rating.
Less Noticeable on the Pavilion – If the extra facet is placed on the pavilion (bottom part), it may not impact the diamond’s face-up appearance.
More Visible on the Crown or Table – If the extra facet is near the table (top surface), it can affect light reflection and reduce brilliance.

Effect on Value – While minor extra facets may have little effect on price, larger or poorly placed ones can decrease a diamond’s value.

How to Identify an Extra Facet?
Found in a diamond grading report, usually noted under clarity characteristics.
Labeled as “Extra Facet” on certification reports from GIA, DCLA, IGI, HRD, etc.
Visible under 10x magnification or a jeweller’s loupe.
Should You Buy a Diamond with an Extra Facet?
If it’s on the pavilion and doesn’t affect brilliance, it’s usually acceptable.
If it’s on the crown or table, consider how much it affects symmetry and light performance.
Always check the diamond certification report and inspect the diamond in different lighting conditions before purchasing.

An extra facet is an additional, unplanned facet on a diamond that is not part of the standard faceting pattern. It is usually added to remove a small inclusion, blemish, or natural rough spot without significantly altering the diamond’s symmetry.

Diamond Equivalent Colour Grade (ECG)
The Diamond Equivalent Colour Grade (ECG) is a system used to compare the colour grades of diamonds assessed by different grading laboratories. It provides a reference for understanding how diamonds graded by one lab compare to those graded by another, ensuring consistency in colour evaluation.

Why is ECG Important?
Different diamond grading labs may have slight variations in colour grading.
ECG helps align grading standards, making it easier for buyers, jewelers, and investors to compare diamonds accurately.

It is particularly useful when dealing with non-GIA or non-DCLA graded diamonds.
Comparison of Diamond Colour Grades Across Laboratories

GIA Grade DCLA (CIBJO Standard) HRD Grade IGI Grade AGS Grade EGL Grade
D (Colourless) D D D 0 000
E (Colourless) E E E 0.5 000
F (Colourless) F F F 1 000
G (Near Colourless) G G G 1.5 000
H (Near Colourless) H H H 2 000
I (Near Colourless) I I I 2.5 00
J (Near Colourless) J J J 3 00
K (Faint Yellow) K K K 3.5 00
L (Faint Yellow) L L L 4 0
M (Faint Yellow) M M M 4.5 0
N-R (Very Light Yellow) N-R N-R N-R 5-7 0
S-Z (Light Yellow) S-Z S-Z S-Z 7.5-10 0

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is considered the strictest in grading.
DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia) follows CIBJO standards, aligning closely with GIA.
IGI, HRD, and EGL may have slightly looser grading standards.
AGS (American Gem Society) uses a 0-10 numerical scale where 0 = D (colourless) and 10 = Z (light yellow).

Emerald Cut Diamond: A Timeless Classic
The Emerald Cut Diamond is a step-cut diamond known for its elegant, elongated shape and hall-of-mirrors effect. It is one of the most sophisticated diamond cuts, often chosen for engagement rings and fine jewelry due to its vintage charm and unique sparkle.

Key Characteristics of an Emerald Cut Diamond
1. Shape & Faceting Style
Rectangular shape with cut corners
Step-cut faceting: Unlike the brilliant-cut diamonds that maximize sparkle, the Emerald Cut has long, parallel step-like facets (usually 57 or 58 facets).
Large, open table: The wide top surface enhances clarity, making inclusions more visible compared to round or cushion cuts.
Hall of Mirrors Effect: The parallel step-cut facets create a mesmerizing play of light and dark reflections.
2. Facet Structure
Crown (Top): Large, flat table with linear step facets.
Girdle (Middle): The widest part, providing durability.
Pavilion (Bottom): Parallel step facets that create depth and reflection.
Cut Corners: Prevent chipping and add to durability.
Emerald Cut Diamond Proportions & Ratio
Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio:

1.30 to 1.50 is the most common and elegant proportion.
Squarer Emerald Cuts (1.20-1.30) are sometimes called “Asscher Cuts” (which are more octagonal).
Depth Percentage:

Ideally between 60% and 70% to balance light reflection.
Table Percentage:

Typically 60% to 68% of the total width.
Brilliance & Sparkle
Subtle, understated sparkle: Unlike a Round Brilliant Cut, which maximizes fire and brilliance, the Emerald Cut has a softer glow, focusing more on clarity and elegance.
Less dispersion (fire): The step-cutting style does not break light into as many colorful flashes as a brilliant cut.
More clarity-dependent: Due to the large open facets, inclusions and flaws are more visible.

Diamond durability refers to a diamond’s ability to withstand wear, scratching, chipping, and breaking over time. As the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, but their overall durability depends on several other factors as well. These factors include their toughness (resistance to breaking or fracturing), clarity (internal inclusions or flaws), and how they are handled or set in jewelry.

Key Factors Affecting Diamond Durability:
Hardness:

Hardness is the measure of a material’s resistance to scratching. On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds score a 10, the highest possible rating, which means they can only be scratched by other diamonds.
This makes diamonds extremely resilient to surface damage from everyday wear, such as scratches from other materials like metals or other gemstones.
Toughness:

Toughness refers to a material’s ability to resist fracturing or chipping when subjected to impacts. While diamonds are incredibly hard, they are not necessarily tough.
Diamonds have what is called cleavage, which means they have planes of weakness within their crystal structure. If struck with enough force along one of these planes, a diamond can chip, crack, or even break. This makes diamonds more susceptible to damage if not properly protected, especially from sharp impacts.
Clarity and Internal Inclusions:

Diamonds that have significant inclusions (internal flaws) or cracks are more prone to damage. Inclusions can weaken a diamond and make it more susceptible to chipping or breaking under pressure.
High-quality diamonds with fewer inclusions tend to have better durability since there are fewer internal flaws that could potentially lead to cracks or fractures.
Cut:

The cut of the diamond also plays a role in its durability. For instance, a diamond with sharp corners (like in a princess cut or emerald cut) is more likely to experience damage if exposed to forceful impacts compared to a diamond with rounded edges, such as in a round brilliant cut.
The way a diamond is set in jewelry can also affect its durability. For example, a diamond set in a prong setting might be more exposed to risks than one set in a bezel setting, where the diamond is surrounded by metal.
Size and Shape:

Larger diamonds, particularly those with thin or pointed areas (like the corners of a princess cut), may be more vulnerable to chipping than smaller diamonds or those with rounder shapes. The girdle (the outer edge of the diamond) can also be a point of weakness if it’s too thin or if it’s exposed to rough handling.
Environmental Exposure:

While diamonds are highly resistant to heat and most chemicals, they can be affected by extreme temperature fluctuations or harsh chemicals. For example, diamonds can fracture if subjected to rapid, extreme temperature changes (such as a sudden drop from a high heat environment to a cold one).
Chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals can also affect a diamond, especially if the diamond has any inclusions or flaws.
Practical Considerations for Maintaining Diamond Durability:
Setting:
A secure and protective setting is crucial for diamond durability. For example, in a bezel setting, the diamond is surrounded by metal, which offers extra protection from impacts compared to a prong setting where the diamond is more exposed.
Cleaning and Care:
Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush will help maintain the diamond’s appearance and remove dirt, oils, or other materials that might accumulate over time.
Avoid exposing diamonds to harsh chemicals, including household cleaning products or chlorine, as these can cause damage to the diamond’s surface and any metal settings.
Avoid Hard Impacts:
Although diamonds are hard, they can still chip or break if struck with enough force along their cleavage planes. It’s advisable to remove diamond jewelry before engaging in activities where the diamond could be exposed to sudden impacts (e.g., heavy lifting or sports).

Diamond Eight-Cut Faceting (Single Cut Diamond)
The Eight-Cut Diamond, also known as a Single Cut Diamond, is a simpler faceting style primarily used in smaller diamonds, melee stones, and vintage jewelry. It is one of the earliest faceting styles in diamond cutting, designed to enhance brilliance while maintaining a basic, symmetrical structure.

Characteristics of the Eight-Cut Diamond:
Facet Count:

The Eight-Cut Diamond has a total of 17 or 18 facets:
8 crown facets (on the upper part of the diamond)
8 pavilion facets (on the lower part)
1 table facet (flat top surface)
Sometimes a culet (a small facet at the bottom) is added.
This is significantly fewer than a Round Brilliant Cut, which has 57 or 58 facets.
Shape & Appearance:

The Eight-Cut is usually round in shape.
Due to fewer facets, it has a softer brilliance compared to a modern brilliant-cut diamond.
The design focuses on maintaining symmetry while offering a simple sparkle.
Light Reflection:

Since there are only 17-18 facets, the Eight-Cut diamond does not disperse light as much as modern brilliant-cut diamonds.
It produces larger but fewer flashes of light, making it ideal for vintage and antique jewelry.
Uses of Eight-Cut Diamonds:
Melee Diamonds:
Eight-Cut diamonds are commonly used as small accent stones in jewelry settings, such as in pavé, halo, or side-stone designs.
Vintage and Antique Jewelry:
Many older jewelry pieces, especially those from the Art Deco and Edwardian periods, feature Eight-Cut diamonds due to their classic and elegant appearance.
Watches and Fine Jewelry:
High-end watchmakers often use Eight-Cut diamonds as embellishments in luxury watches.