The following information is courtesy of J. Landau Inc.
CUT
PREMIUM CUT
A Premium Cut Diamond demonstrates subtle variation from
the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a
diamond’s reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a
harmonious balance between it’s proportions and the display
of brilliance.
THE IDEAL CUT
Light* entering the diamond reflects
internally from facet to facet and is
reflected back through the top ONLY,
creating maximum brilliance.
TOO DEEP
When a diamond is cut too deep,
light* leaks out of the bottom,
brilliance is lost and the center of the
diamond will appear to be dark.
TOO SHALLOW
When a diamond is cut too shallow,
light* leaks out of the bottom,
brilliance is lost land the diamond
appears watery, glassy and dark.
*Arrows on the diagrams simulate the flow of light in the diamond.
COLOR
Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such
dazzling brilliance.
COLOR GRADING SCALE
CLARITY
CARAT WEIGHT
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called
“points,” 1 ct. = 1.00; ½ ct. = .50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary
greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. Below are two identical
pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.
Example 1. From one piece of rough a diamond has been cut to Ideal proportions,
retaining a weight of one carat. The light is totally reflected through the top.
Example 2. The second piece of rough has been “spread” in this cutting, resulting in a
diamond weighing approximately 1.40 ct. Note: The girdle is thicker, the table is much
larger, the angles are exaggerated, all at the expense of that diamond’s ability to reflect
light.
Therefore, one can see that the value of a diamond can vary as much as 40% in the cutting
alone.
Example 1. IDEAL CUT DIAMOND
Example 2. INFERIOR CUT DIAMOND
When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to “Ideal”
proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to
behold.
The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond
that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven
proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets,
produces the ultimate in luster and beauty.
When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the
light entering from any direction is totally reflected through
the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes
and rainbow colors.
THE IDEAL CUT
Most diamond are “spread” in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original
rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and
brilliance.
INFERIOR CUT
Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As
these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.
Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The
size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity grade and affect its
cost.
One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable
inclusions.
Why are the Four C's important to you?
|
Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat, also known as the 4 C’s, are used throughout the world to classify the rarity of
diamonds. Diamonds with the combination of the highest 4 C ratings are more rare and, consequently, more
expensive.
Light is the element that ignites a diamond’s brilliance and fire. Its interplay with each of the 4 C’s will help
explain why one diamond can appear even more beautiful than another.
The good news is that you don’t need to buy the rarest diamond to find one whose beauty speaks to you.
314.569.0600
9827 Clayton Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63124
|
