Guidebook: Diamonds

THE IDEAL CUT
	When a round, brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal" proportions by a master cutter, it has a splendor to behold. The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produce the ultimate in lustre and beauty. When a diamond is cut to ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparking flashes and rainbow colors.
THE PREMIUM CUT
	A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieve a harmonius balance between its proportions and the display of brilliance.

THE INFERIOR CUT

Most Diamonds are spread in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the orginal rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

The Ideal Cut - Light* entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back through the top only, creating maximum brilliance. * Arrows on the diagram simulate the flow of light in the diamond.
Inferior Cut - Too Deep - When a diamond is cut too deep, light* leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark. * Arrows on the diagram simulate the flow of light in the diamond.
Inferior Cut - Too Shallow - When a diamond is cut too shallow, light* leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark. * Arrows on the diagram simulate the flow of light in the diamond.

Diamond Color

Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown, as these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and cost of the diamond decreases.

Clarity

Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond's clarity grade and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mast otherwise noticable inclusions.

FL-IF No Inclusions visible (by expert) under 10x magni-fication. (FL=Flawless IF=Internally Flawless)	VVS1-VVS2 Minute-extremely difficult to find under 10x. (VVS=Very, very, slight inclusions)	VS1-VS2 Minor-difficult to find under 10x. (VS=Very slight inclusions)	SI1-SI2 Noticeable, relatively easy to find under 10x. (SI=Small Inclusions)	I1-I2 Obvious under 10x - Just visible to naked eye. (I1= Imperfect)

Carat Weight

The weight of the diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called "points". 1 ct. = 1.00; 1/2 ct. = 0.50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity and especially the cut. Below are two identical pieces of rough, (uncut diamonds) each of the same quality and value.

Example 1: (Ideal Cut Diamond) From one piece of rough a diamond has been cut to Ideal Proportions, retaining a weight of one carat. The light is totally reflected through the top of the diamond.
Example 2: (Inferior Cut Diamond) The second piece of rough has been "spread" in its cutting, resulting in a diamond weighing approximately 1.40 ct. Note: The girdle is thicker, the table is much larger, the angles are exagerated, all at the expense of the diamond's ability to reflect light.

Therefore one can see that the value of a diamond can vary as much as 40% in the cutting alone.