E.S. Design

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes. The best-selling and most popular one is the round-shaped brilliant-cut diamond. It is the diamond shape of choice largely due to its numerous facets that project a much better brilliance and sparkle than any other diamond shape. Interestingly, however, the brilliant cut diamond’s evolution and history took more than 500 years.

The first type of diamond cut that ever graced jewelry showcases were point-cut diamonds, which looked more like pointed weapons than aesthetic pieces of adornment. The table-cut diamonds followed, which were improved versions of their predecessors. Years later, the single-cut diamond was produced, which is still used today by private collectors. The decades that followed introduced the Mazarin cut, Old-Mine cut, and the Old European cut. The goal was to enhance a diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Eventually, the brilliant cut diamond was presented and has since gained popularity until today.

Every brilliant-cut diamond possesses a total of 58 facets. Thirty-three of these facets are located on the crown or top of the diamond, while 25 of them are located on the pavilion or base of the diamond.  The facet that is found at the base of the pavilion is called the culet. If a diamond has no culet, it tends to chip or break easily. Moreover, there will only be 24 facets if the culet is absent. The line that separates the crown and the pavilion is called a girdle. This girdle can also be faceted, to add more sparkle. However, the girdle facets are not added to the total facet count.

In the year 1919, a man named Marcel Tolkowsky created what we know today as an Ideal Cut Diamond. He used mathematics in calculating the best angles and proportions in order to maximize the play of lights through the diamond. An Ideal Cut Diamond is graded as one that possesses optimum brilliance and fire.  However, these diamond cuts carry a hefty price tag.

At day’s end, there is no such thing as a perfect diamond. We can only find one that suits our taste and budget. That is what makes it perfect.