 | Chad Comeau is owner and operator of Comeau Jewelry Company in Pittsburg. He has been in the jewelry industry for 16 years. For more information or to reach Chad please call 620-231-2530. |
Jewelry
2010-11-01 13:12:00
Stone shapes & cuts
Answer: First, congratulations! Shopping for the “right” ring can be a stressful process. I hope we can help by providing a short primer on stones.
When most people ask about diamond cuts, they actually mean diamond shape.
Cuts are the flat faces on a diamond’s surface that give the stone the desired look. The Gemological Institute of America, (GIA), sorts diamond cuts into three basic categories. The categories are based on the style and arrangement of a diamond’s facets, brilliant, step and mixed cuts.
Different cuts are associated with different stone shapes. For example, brilliant cut diamonds are cut to cause light to radiate throughout the stone and enhance its beauty. It is most frequently used for round diamonds. Step cuts have fewer cuts and facets than brilliant cut diamonds. A cut uses elements of both step and brilliant faceting techniques.
Assuming you want the engagement ring to have a high impact, I will run down some of the most popular shapes.
Round Brilliant:
The round brilliant is a round stone with facets designed for maximum shine and brilliance. The round brilliant is by far the most popular stone.
Princess:
A square cut diamond that has refractive properties almost near round brilliant and is the most popular square cut diamond.
Oval:
Oval is another traditional shape although less popular than the round brilliant or princess stones.
A little understanding about the cuts and shapes will go a long way in helping you find that special ring. Ultimately, the cut and shape of the diamond are all a matter of preference. It is very likely that when you go shopping the right ring will stand out from the others in some way.
