If you can't bring the best round diamonds to market, why not make them different - by simply adding more facets for example?Because, as a rule they don't deliver any extra brilliance.
Can we say "dead as a doorknob"?
Maybe not, but let's make no mistake about it - the 58 facet modern round brilliant has a very long and impressive pedigree of development. And, it's not merely some shaggy dog story!
In fact, the most current research shows that extra facets generally create less facet contrast. This shows up as less sharply defined brightness, fire and sparkle! And, these are supposed to be the classic elements that define diamond beauty.
Although many variations and permutations have been explored over the past several centuries, the modern round is the paramount style of cutting. So much so that it's the basis of most other shapes as well; including ovals, pears, marquises and heart shapes.
The reason is simple. It works!
The look of the classic round is extremely desirable and appealing. That's why over 80% of all diamonds sold are cut in this style. That's why it's still the best way to say I love you. That's why it commands and holds the highest value.
Does that mean other styles are no good. Of course not! Tastes differ. There are always those who seek new alternatives.
As luck would have it, computer models have recently made it much easier to experiment with new styles. Cutters need no longer travel blind, running the risk of totally trashing extremely precious raw material. This is a very good thing!
But, it's also new territory. The jury is still out. It's far too soon to know for sure which styles will die on the vine of marketing hype, or get real legs and true staying power in terms of both beauty and value.
5 comments:
Great point! When people talk about diamonds with lots of facets, I ask them to imagine a diamond with a BILLION facets!! It would be like a ball, an ugly, frosty ball. So everyone must conclude that there is a point where it is too many. That means there is a point where it is just right. When real people look at 57-58 facet diamonds, they like them better! The various 88's and 129's look "busy" to them in comparison. The danger is, they are not less beautiful than poorly cut diamonds. If that is the comparison, the customer will choose the gimmick!
Now, if the diamond is really large, say 100ct+, I think the argument could be made that more facets will still leave reflections large enough to matter. I don't think anyone looks at a 100ct., 105-facet Tolkowsky diamond and says it is not beutiful.
These are such a tiny percentage of the marketplace, that I probably shouldn't even have brought it up!
Great post!
Rich Pesqueira, G.G.
So then I wonder... if all all other C's equal, is it only the quality and precision of the cut that differentiates one diamond from another ?
Hey Rich. Nice comparison, I usually say about the same thing only I add that with enough extra facets they will "all become as one". So there would be one big cone-shaped facet on top and one cone on the bottom. Both on just the perfect angle. And, pure reflection with no contrast. Can we say Glare? Like a deer in headlights, stunning and dead!
Yo Anonymous, you are starting to sound just like a diamond cutter! I like that.
And, yes you are right Rich. Great big diamonds can handle more facets. In fact they usually require them. However, most of those goombahs are not available in the stores that us mortals frequent.
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