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Diamond Cut:
Cut refers to a
diamond's proportions, which enhance a diamond's
ability to refract light. Many gemologists
consider cut the most important diamond
characteristic because even if a diamond has
perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor
cut will have only a dull sparkle.
The two most
heavily observed aspects of a diamond's cut is
its depth percentage and table percentage. The
depth percentage is the length of the stone from
table (top) to culet (bottom), expressed as a
percentage of the diamond's width, measured at
its widest point. This depth-to-width
relationship is largely responsible for the
diamond's being properly proportioned, resulting
in the proper refraction of light and maximum
fire and brilliance.
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Poor cut
can limit the amount of light that
enters a diamond. Just as important, it
can allow light to escape out of the
bottom of a stone. Naturally then,
well-cut stones are more valuable than
diamonds of poor cut. Cut is the only
characteristic that depends on the human
touch, and says much about the skill of
the diamond cutter. Even if color and
clarity are very high, a poorly cut
diamond will not exude brilliance. |
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(A)
Reflection
A ray of light hits the diamond's
surface. Some of the light enters, and
part of the light reflects back. The
immediate reflection is the light given
off by the crown angles. |
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(B)
Refraction
The remaining light enters the diamond
and reflects toward the center of the
diamond. The light that bounces off the
internal wall of the diamond is the
refraction. |
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(C) Dispersion
The ray of light then shoots to the
surface through the top of the diamond.
A color spectrum is visible when light
exits the diamond. |
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A
diamond's pavilion angle and depth must
be correct to capture light and throw it
back to the viewer. A pavilion angle
that is too shallow or too deep allows
light to escape. The crown of a diamond
is equally important. It is both the
entry and exit point for light coming in
and out of the diamond.
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