"Diamond" or "brilliant" are two terms often used interchangeably. But do you know the meaning of each one? We answer one of the big questions in the wonderful world of diamonds.
How to tell the difference between a diamond and a brilliant?
The term "diamond" is the name given to the gemstone or precious stone in its natural state, the mineral. One can speak of a "rough diamond," meaning a diamond as it is extracted from nature without any defined shape. The shapes that diamonds take are their cuts, which leads us to the explanation of the next term.
The term "brilliant" solely defines the cut or facet of the diamond, creating a specific shape. It is common for this term to be used generically since the brilliant cut is the most common.
At MUMIT, we are diamond specialists. All diamonds set in MUMIT jewelry are acquired at their source, ensuring that their distinctive characteristics, their four qualities (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) are above global accepted standards for evaluating diamond quality. If you want to know more about diamond evaluation, we recommend visiting our article on how to evaluate a diamond ring. In fact, only 0.04% of the world's gem-grade diamonds are chosen to be set in our jewelry. As experts in the field, we explain below everything you need to know about diamond cuts and how they are a determining factor in their value and quality.
Types of diamond cuts
A diamond's cut determines its exceptional beauty and brilliance. When a diamond is cut, the goal is to achieve perfection in three aspects: proportion, polish, and symmetry. The cut is vital to promote reflectivity, ensuring that light is optimally reflected. The more light a diamond reflects, the more valuable it will be.
All MUMIT diamonds have a cut graded between excellent and very good, making them diamonds that reflect light like no other on the market.
The most well-known diamond cuts are:
- Brilliant: Of all the shapes a diamond can be cut into, the cut that achieves maximum brilliance is the brilliant cut, which is why it is the most used in engagement rings. This diamond has a total of 58 facets that give it its characteristic shape and incomparable brilliance.
- Marquise: It has an elongated design ending in two points. It consists of 57 facets and is usually more luminous at its sides than in its central area.
- Pear: Also known as "teardrop." The diamond has 56 facets, offering a fascinating play of light.
- Princess: This cut has a square shape and features 76 facets, making it a very special cut.
- Emerald: The diamond takes a rectangular shape with 48/50 facets. It is a very elegant cut that takes its name from the classic way emeralds are cut.
- Oval: The diamond takes an original elliptical shape with 56 facets. This type of cut can be found in oval cut engagement rings, which allow light to penetrate each facet uniquely.
- Heart: The most romantic cut. The diamond has 59 facets that start from the center of the gem towards the edges, creating a beautiful play of light in the shape of a heart.
- Round: This is the most popular of all shapes. It is also one of the most sought-after cuts, as it gives the diamond great brilliance. An example is Mumit's round cut rings.
How to determine the value of a diamond?
At MUMIT, we understand the importance of acquiring a diamond. Therefore, with every diamond jewel weighing 0.30 carats or more, a certificate from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant), or IGI (International Gemological Institute) is provided. These acronyms denote the official laboratories that grade diamonds based on their 4 Cs: weight measured in carats, color, clarity, and cut.
If you want to discover more diamond jewelry, especially engagement rings, we recommend visiting our 18 Kt gold diamond engagement rings or our trilogy diamond engagement rings. Unique and incomparable jewels.
Furthermore, we have a specialized team of diamond experts who can advise you on the correct choice for your new diamond. Discover the magic of MUMIT diamonds at mumit.com and in our stores.
