A Cut Above

Life inevitably presents us with choices and sometimes these choices are better off going about alone. However, when one is faced with the often difficult decision to gift the perfect gift for either yourself or a loved one, worthy in all aspects, receiving a little help is completely reasonable. After all, it is always best to receive second opinions before such imperative, life-changing moments occur. Fortunately, our job as your jewelry consultant, should you desire to gift the gift of jewelry, is to make your job easier.

The cut of a gem here is in pertinence to its shape, not to be confused with one of the 4C's by the same title, “a measure of how [its] facets interact with light” with attention to proportions, symmetry, and polish (GIA). Much of what we can see with the human eye is what we have acknowledged as there. For example, we know that beauty exists in the fire and brilliance of gems in the way they are exposed under light. From since the moment we realized that this quality could somehow be enhanced in the way we frame gems, master cutters have discovered and are still discovering new methods of how to elicit the most in them so that we might be privileged to know so much beauty exists.

We begin with the classic Round Brilliant Cut. A cut such as this can be misconstrued as bland or default under the “traditional” label, but let us not forget that without “traditional,” there would have been no clear inspiration for the “nontraditional,” or in this case, fancy. The circle is a very familiar shape, one that can be found all around us: in the atoms that make us up, in the freckles and moles on our skin, in the eyes of our loved ones, and on a grander scale, even in the planets of our solar system. It is perfect in symmetry and consists of a single line that ends where it starts, which on a deeper level suggests connections to eternity. The cut itself has set quite the bar for competing fancy gem shapes as it sits flexibly within the 4C’s and offers the most fire and brilliance of all. For the elongated look, many can opt for the Oval Cut, the essential classic with a twist. 

 The Princess Cut was invented by Belgian diamond cutter M. Weistreich in 1964 as what we speculate as a possible descendent to the King Diamond Cut (a princess being the daughter of a king), the development of which he catalyzed. It was introduced as a square version of the Round Brilliant Cut, obtaining as many or more facets, depending on the preferences of a master cutter, to replicate the same brilliance in a different and versatile-still shape. Since its introduction, the Princess Cut has been a popular choice, side by side with its brilliant fraternal twin. There is, however, an advantage that it has over the round, which is that it is able to retain 80-90% of the rough gem as opposed to only 40-50%. This means that it is the cheaper alternative, regardless of possessing most of the same qualities. It is available as a rectangle shape as well. Squares and rectangles, second to the circle, are just as easily found in our surroundings, especially with the rise of technology. Our computer screens, doors, mirrors, and picture frames often come in these shapes that imply and intend to provide stability with its outstretched arms, or four corners. Also, color does not only sit in the center of this specific cut, it stretches with each corner.

Cushion Cuts are well-known for their pillow-like shape and have been increasingly popularized in our contemporary society. In an online article of InStyle, the Cushion Cut specifically was described as the possible key to success stories of TV series The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. The article is highly suggestive that the cut might ensure the success of the latest The Bachelor relationship. Regardless of it all being speculation, there is no going wrong with going Cushion. Like the Princess, it is available in square and rectangular shapes. Its rounded corners and larger facets give emphasis to its brilliance and clarity, or “relative absence of inclusions and blemishes” (GIA). When looking for the right gem, we want to be sure of its authenticity, and Cushion Cuts are all but dishonest.

The most prominent attribute of the Emerald Cut that makes it significantly distinct from all other cuts, or gem shapes, is that its pavilion is cut with rectangular facets. In the way that it employs the visible parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, the Emerald Cut can read as very pleasing to the eye. Many might be drawn to its more minimal look and feel, the obvious simplicity that lies metaphorically between its step-cut features and spacious table. Although it is known for its rectangular shape, if a square shape is found to be more preferable to an onlooker, they might find the same appeal in an Asscher Cut, its square equivalent. As you may have gathered, its width and length can, too, be manipulated to one’s liking.

The Radiant Cut is for those that may admire the overall shape (square/rectangle) and size versatility of the Emerald and/or Asscher Cut, but favor the brilliance in that of a Round Brilliant Cut. Because of these joined characteristics, its color may appear to be of higher grade than that of a simpler cut. Radiant Cuts pair nicely with round or baguette side stones, or can be Radiant all on their own. Its proportions maximize carat weight, retaining most of the original gem, which is always valuable, especially if you truly want your money’s worth. And as best stated by Kate Miller-Wilson of Lovetoknow, “… radiant-cut diamonds are more durable and may be more suitable for an active lifestyle” because they are without the “delicate corners of the princess cut.” This is also applicable to Emerald and Asscher Cuts. Thinking practically about post-presentation is forever wise.

There seems to be a happy medium for everyone, at least, in the jewelry business. If you were torn between your love for the striking shape of the Marquise and the classic shape of the Round Brilliant, there is a cut for that: The Pear Cut. With rounded beginnings coming to a point at the ends, the Pear’s shape, best resembled as a teardrop, speaks volumes for its exclusivity in design. Not only can the Pear Cut be elongated to preference (the finger-slimming illusion still in effect), it is comprised of maximum fire and brilliance that most gem enthusiasts look for. Its pointed end is not just there for aesthetic purposes, rather it is an artistic touch to strategically concealing inclusions in the gem, tricking the eyes into thinking it is anything but imperfect. However, properly cut Pear Cut gems can be difficult to find in the market. Its length-to-width ratio can be incorrectly manipulated if in the wrong hands. Our company makes sure that the ratio is applied accordingly to the best of our abilities. We value your satisfaction that in turn helps us, help you (just as our bio below expresses).