A brilliant is defined as a round-shaped diamond with a full brilliant cut. The brilliant cut is the most well-known type of jewelry cut used for diamonds. Invented in the 17th century, it replaced the previously used rose cut.
Brilliant cut
The brilliant cut is considered the pinnacle of the achievements of master jewelers. A full, classic brilliant cut contains no fewer than 58 facets (faces): 33 on the top, 24 on the bottom plus the base, which give the diamond beautiful optical qualities. The exceptional property of a diamond, its brilliance, depends on the quality of the cut.
A very important quality characteristicof the diamondis a characteristic related to the lack of coloration in a diamond. The value of a diamond decreases as yellowing increases. Most commonly, diamonds appear from colorless (the purest white D) to yellow (muted white L). In jewelry, diamonds with colors from H to P are most commonly used. The most popular are brilliant diamonds with H color (white) combined with SI clarity. Colors from D to G occur in very expensive stones.
According to the GIA scale, we distinguish the colors:
D – white color
E – white
F – white
G – near white
H – close to white
I – close to white
J – close to white
K – very light yellow
L – light yellow
M – light yellow
N-O-R – very bright yellow
P-Q-R very bright yellow
S-T-U-W – bright yellow
W-X-Y-Z – yellow
Clarity of diamonds
Another very important feature significantly affecting the quality and value of a stone is CLARITY. There are 7 clarity grades: LC, VVS, VS, SI, P1, P2, P3. In practical jewelry, diamonds from the VS to P1 range are most commonly used. Diamonds in the LC and VVS categories are very expensive and much rarer. The most popular in jewelry are diamonds with SI clarity, most often combined with color H. And in the order of clarity designation it means the following:
LC – stones of the highest quality, “loupe clean”, even when using a loupe, show no signs (inclusions, defects)
VVS – diamonds containing very small internal blemishes, very difficult to notice with a loupe
VS – diamonds that contain very small internal blemishes, medium or relatively easy to notice with a loupe (for an expert)
SI – diamonds with small internal blemishes, very easy to notice with a loupe, but not visible to the naked eye
P1 – diamonds with internal blemishes difficult to notice for the untrained eye. Inclusions clearly visible to the naked eye but difficult to identify
P2 – diamonds that contain large or numerous internal inclusions, easily visible to the naked eye, slightly reducing the brilliance of the diamond
P3 – diamonds that contain numerous internal inclusions, very easily visible to the naked eye, identifiable. They cover about 50% of the surface of the stone, significantly reducing the brilliance of the diamond.
Diamond cut
Cut – is a very important parameter, because with proper cutting of the diamond, light rays can undergo complete internal reflection and dispersion. We distinguish the following cuts:
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*inclusion – a foreign body located in the mineral
*brilliance – a light phenomenon in the form of sparkling reflections