GOLDFINGER MAGAZINE 22 To simplify the subject of diamond grading, the 4Cs relate to cut, colour, clarity and carat weight - a universal language that was established with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and introduced to the public by De Beers. The combination of these factors determines a diamond`s relative rarity and value. However, as important as the 4 Cs are in diamond grading reports, they do not express the beauty of a diamond, the most important part of our diamond selection work. By hand and eye, we focus on the beauty of each and every diamond, because a natural diamond should never be purchased purely on its laboratory grading report. Two diamonds with the same 4Cs may differ greatly in beauty. One may be dull and lifeless, the product of poorly aligned facets and angles, while the other may radiate with Fire, Life and Brilliance. We know their interrelation very well, therefore we can help you find the perfect diamond for every budget. And most importantly, trust your eye, mind and ultimately your heart’s reaction. The diamond you chose should be the one which you do not want to take off your hand, regardless of the important 4Cs. ROUND BRILLIANT Only those whose facets are perfectly cut and aligned – ensuring maximum brilliance – can be called a De Beers True Brilliant. PRINCESS-CUT The princess-cut diamond features clean lines and sharply defined corners, combined with the kind of supreme sparkle you expect from a round brilliant cut, thanks to its incredible multi-faceting. Marrying timeless appeal with a contemporary edge, it sits well with designs that incorporate pave diamonds, just as it looks exceptional as a solitaire. PEAR-SHAPE The curves of the pear-shaped diamond are some of the most technically difficult to achieve but the result is a classically beautiful cut that combines the sparkle of a round brilliant with the tapering finesse of a marquise-cut. Offering a sense of individuality, it is a shape that is often incorporated into high jewellery designs. EMERALD-CUT For pure timeless elegance, the emerald cut has it all, its clean, rectangular shape with stepped facets creating a ‘hallof-mirrors’ effect that produces flashes of light. Linear, with the diamond appearing even larger thanks to a greater table surface area, the emerald-cut diamond appeals to lovers of both contemporary and vintage styles alike. ASSCHER-CUT A square emerald-cut, the Asscher has an understated classic beauty and strong brilliance, which appeals to those who love straight edges and perfect symmetry. OVAL-SHAPE In terms of faceting, the oval-shape is a modified form of the round brilliant, possessing a similar ability to reflect light and maximise sparkle. Its elongated shape not only creates an illusion of a greater carat weight but can also make the fingers appear more slender. CUSHION-CUT Whether square or rectangular in shape, the cushion-cut combines impressively cut facets for dazzling sparkle with softly rounded corners for a touch of subtlety. The result is a cut that is characterised by a sense of harmony. One of the most historical cuts, it originated over 200 years ago. MARQUISE-SHAPE This long, narrow cut is another modified version of the round brilliant. It dates back to the 1700s when legend has it Louis XV of France requested a diamond cut to resemble the perfectly shaped mouth of his mistress, Marquise de Pompadour. Its shape has the effect of appearing to maximise the carat weight and elongating the fingers. RADIANT CUT This non-traditional cut combines the purity of the emerald cut with the sparkle of a round brilliant. Originating in the 1970s, radiant-cut diamonds are ideal for the lovers of perfect symmetry combined with glamorous brilliance. HEART SHAPE Considered one of the most romantic cuts, the heart shape is based on the round brilliant, with a cleft at the top. Its popularity dates back to the 16th century, when Mary Queen of Scots famously gave Queen Elizabeth a heart-shaped diamond ring as a gift of friendship. J OA I L L E R I E HOW TO SELECT YOUR D IAMOND JOAILLERIE
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