Loose Diamonds Cut

"I have been trying to find out a little about my diamond and the one C that I cannot find anywhere on your site is what does the 'round' cut description mean. The diamond is set in a 14K gold setting solitaire, 4 prong, Carat 1-1.01, Clarity SI, Color H. Can you tell me what the round signifies?

Regards,

Carol
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Here is the answer posted by Judah Gutwein found at diamondvues.com  on July 26, 2007:

Round refers to the shape of the stone.

 A 10x magnified photo of a (58 faceted) round "cut" Ideal Diamond. The marks within the stone are blemishes or internal "diamond inclusions" as viewed under this level of magnification. However, as a result of this diamonds ideal cut proportions, beauty and brilliancy, this diamond will quite possibly face up "eye-clean". This means that the inclusions will not be seen with the naked eye and without the aid of magnification.

This is sometimes called a round "cut", not because it is a particular "quality of cut", but because it is the overall cut that influences the shape. Unfortunately, the "cut quality" of the diamond for this reason is often confused and associated with the "shape" of the diamond. The reality is that one has nothing to do with the other. A "Round Cut" diamond, means a round diamond shape, regardless of the actual "cut quality" of the stone. Conversely, talking about the "cut" or "cut quality" of a round diamond, refers to the precision and resultant beauty to which the "round cut" diamond has been fashioned.

A traditional "round cut" diamond, has 58 "facets" which are like mirrors to reflect and refract light.

If the stone is "cut" well (now referring to the precision or quality to which the round diamond has been fashioned from the rough), it will refract the light entering the stone back out through the table facet and to the eye, in the form of brilliancy and beauty. Loose diamonds that are cut for maximum beauty and brilliancy as opposed to maximum weight retention (both of which are polar opposites) are the most prized and valued diamonds on the market. These diamonds are also known as "Ideal Cut Diamonds", or "Hearts & Arrows" Diamonds.

If however, the "round cut" diamond is swindled and cheated by the diamond cutter in an effort to save as much of the rough carat weight as possible, this will result in a diamond that may be larger in total carat weight, but will be lifeless and dull due to its poor "cut quality".

Consumers who choose a loose diamond or diamond engagement ring for beauty and brilliancy, will stay far away from these diamonds that look like frozen spit.

Conversely, consumers who don't care about the quality and beauty of their loose diamond and only care about the size of the diamond ("just give me a big rock") will often wind up with these cheated and swindled diamonds of larger carat weight and minimal light performance.

I hope this helps!

Regards,