Diamonds in the rough are as ordinary as any regular stone, sometimes uglier. But once these are cut into shapes into the diamond jewelry that we are familiar with, the transformation is simply magical.

Diamonds are usually cut to accentuate their brilliance, fire and color.

Cuts

Diamonds are mostly cut into familiar round shapes (round brilliant cut). Those that are not are known as ‘fancy cuts’.

Fancy cuts are the baguette (like the French loaf of bread), the marquise, the princess (square), briolette (rose cut), and the pear cut.

Today, newer cuts are introduced into the industry, perhaps to liven it up. These include the ‘cushion’, the ‘radiant’ (like princess cuts, only with rounded edges), and the ‘Asscher’ cut (square emerald cut).

Fancy-colored diamonds are mostly cut in these new styles. However, these fancy cuts are not held to the strict standards of diamond cuts.

These precise standards were set by mathematician and gem enthusiast Marcel Tolkowsky. He calculated the exact angles and dimensions of the diamond’s facets (surfaces) to reflect the most light and gives the diamond its famed brilliance.   

Fashion

Like any other man-made ornament, diamond cuts are also heavily influenced by the fashion of the day. In the Art Deco period, the baguette (it accentuates a diamond’s luster but plays down the fire) was the favorite.

Today, the princess cut is gaining popularity, mostly among younger women. It is a favorite among diamond cutters because it uses most of the crystal in the original stone.

Since the past decades, there had been modifications of diamond cuts. These new cuts are seen to be more on trying to adapt a brand differentiation rather than actual improvements.

Shapes

The round diamond is the most popular today. It has 57 facets (or 58 including the culet). By far, it displays the most fire and scintillation among all.

Cut into a square with 90 degrees angle on each corner, the princess cut brings out a tremendous amount of brilliance, second only to the round.

Heart-shaped diamonds are the most sentimental of all. It is also the hardest to find.

Radiant diamonds are rectangles with rounded corners. What make it special are the patterns of the facets that makes it look like cracked ice.

Invented in the 60s, the oval diamond is similar to the round brilliant, except for the ovate shape. One can see a visible “bow-tie” on top.

Designed in 1902, the Asscher is often called the square emerald cut. It has cropped corners that give it a distinctive elegance.

The emerald cut, rectangular or square, has beveled corners. It has a window-like transparency giving it a classic beauty.

The marquise has 56 facets, elongated and has pointed ends. Reportedly, it had been inspired by the smile of the Marquise de Pompadour and created for Louis XIV.

The pear cut looks more like a teardrop. It shows off best as a pendant or on earrings.

The cushion cut or the candlelight has larger facets and rounded corners to increase their sparkle under candlelight.

The corners of a triangle diamond may be pointed or rounded. The body shape is defined by the cutter or the stone’s characteristics.

By far, one can see that the many shapes of diamond jewelry are all geared to accentuate the beauty of the stone, its own unique elegance. Which one would look best on you?

Get more complete tips on choosing diamond jewelry, visit: www.diamondjewelry.getmytips.com

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Jewelries, especially diamond jewelries and accessories are commonly associated with women.  But nowadays,  jewelries are also becoming popular among men.  History has showed us the accessorizing is common among men during the early civilizations.  Men would wear rings and pendants bearing their symbols and signs, displaying heir social and class status through them.

Currently, the most common jewelry for men is the groom’s ring.  Over the years,  groom’s ring has become more than just a ring but has become a symbol of the groom’s prosperity and stability.  Men has different preference for their rings, some would like jewelries that are subtle, while others would like intricate rings that will match the bride’s ring. Whatever design, it would surely reflect the personality of the owner.

But men are not just sticking to wedding bands, there are other men’s accessories  which can be defined as jewelries. There are cufflinks, bracelets, money clips, watches and necklaces.  Finding diamond men’s jewelries are not that difficult at all.  There are department stores and retailers where you could buy them.  But online shops are becoming more popular especially they are posting detailed information about the accessories.  

Just like in any women’s jewelry, stones for men are also available in different cuts and colors.  When looking for men’s diamond jewelry always check for the 4 Cs:  cut, color, clarity and carat.  Also check the craftsmanship and the originality of the diamond.  Most men choose an antique jewelry since it is more unique and original in design.  

Men’s diamond jewelries are usually in three kinds of settings, channel, pave and invisible.  Diamonds in channels have the stones in the groove, while those in pave would usually have the stones supported by small prongs. While the invisible setting is ideal since it would make small diamond cuts look bigger. The settings are hidden and stones are supported underneath.  

Aside from the designs, metal bands are also changing.  Yellow gold bands are not the only one used, there are other alternative metals like titanium.  Titanium has become known for its durability and affordability.  Another kind of metal becoming popular is the tungsten carbide.  Tungsten carbide bands would usually have gold and platinum inlays.  

Men’s diamond pendants are more subtle in design compared with women intricately made pendants.  But it never ceases to make an impression.  Diamond studded earrings are another popular feature among men accessories.  It used to be just one stud, but right now a few studs would do.  

Just like women’s diamond jewelries, it is important to care for men’s diamonds.  It should be kept in proper jewelry boxes, cases or pouches and should not be left lying on counter and kitchen tops, along with the keys.  Diamonds even though they are known to be hard stones are still capable of being damaged especially when exposed to extreme temperatures, force and chemicals.

Diamond rings or jewelries are not only great gifts for women, it makes people feel special thus making it also a suitable gift for men.  It may be a very expensive gift but its value would represent the undying and eternal love and devotion.  In relationships, diamond jewelry is a great gift that will symbolize commitment.

Get more complete tips on choosing diamond jewelry, visit: www.diamondjewelry.getmytips.com

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