Bespoke Diamonds: What Cut Should You Choose

Bespoke Diamonds: What Cut Should You Choose

The desirability and beauty of diamonds comes from their brilliant sparkle, which can only be achieved by careful handling of an expertly skilled artisan. After all, a precious stone that does not glisten is hardly worthy of such a name. So, the question is, what makes a diamond sparkle? 

It is actually the cut which governs how the stone reflects light, and consequently offers a truly superb shine. Optimum levels of sparkle can be attained only through a skilfully executed cut. 

The best diamond cut

Diamond cutting actually started during the Middle Ages, but it wasn't until the 1400s on which the significance of total symmetry in cutting these precious stones was first recognized. It was in the era of 1900s where diamonds started to sparkle in the way we expect them to be. 

Today, with the help of precision tools such as lasers, cutting diamonds have become so much quicker, easier, and with numerous variety of shapes and cuts. Nevertheless, old rules still apply. If the stone was cut too shallow, the light would reflect beneath; cut too deep and the stone reflects sideways. 

The pricing and preference

A cutter initially selects the cut and form of each diamond based on its rough, untouched shape. The cutter’s task is to preserve the stone’s carat weight (remembering not avoid any wastage) while creating the perfect sparkle. Even with the best tools available in this generation, perfecting the cut isn't an easy task, that’s why diamonds greatly vary in terms of price and quality. 

Two diamond stones of the same colour, shape, carat and clarity may have a 40% price difference due their individual cut. More sparkle usually means more money, even so, some people care more about the size and weight rather than cut, so it ultimately it comes down to the price range and preference. 

To help you decide which diamond cut to go for when buying a bespoke ring, we’ve put together a quick guide to the commonly used diamond cuts, together with their capability to reflect light and render a brilliant sparkle: 

First, we have the round cut at 100%, but in reality, no diamond is flawlessly perfect. This cut is usually preferred in engagement rings. 

Oval and/or pear cuts seek to imitate the same fire and brilliance created by a round cut, but with an added benefit of looking much bigger due to its length. It’s sparkle can give around 90%. 

Heart cuts offer about 80% sparkle and creates a specific statement piece where this high level of brilliance is really crucial. 

The princess cut offers approximately 70% sparkle and its large crown can give an appearance of a greater size stone. 

Cushion cut diamonds only provide 60% sparkle and renders a distinctive light pattern due to their mix of straight and rounded edges. 

60% sparkle is given by emerald cut diamonds as well; their unique type of sparkle interplays the dark and light planes of the step-cut stone. 

The baguette cut only offers 45% of sparkle and is closely similar to an emerald cut, but without the rounded edges. This removes the maximum capability for sparkle that smoothed edges qualifies

In general, determining the best cut of bespoke jewellery you can afford is the best way to guarantee the most sparkle for your money! 

Bio:

For more than ten years, Daniel Greenberg has been hand crafting DG Bespoke Jewellery and is known as a trained master diamond mounter and goldsmith. As he was taught by one of the best jewelers in London (his father), Daniel makes certain that all his unique pieces are pure perfection.