MJ Harrington & CO.

 

Member of American Gem Society and
Jewelers of America

NH Heritage

Jewelry Expertise Our Style Appraisals Repair Locations

About MJ Harrington & Co.

Wedding and Gift Registry

Simply  Wonderful Gift Ideas Estate Jewelry Watches Contact Us

What you should know about platinum | How to buy a pearl

  What you should know about diamonds Color | Cut | Clarity | Carat Weight | Setting

   Cut

Ever seen a diamond in its natural state? Let's just say its beauty is well concealed. Unlocking the fire and brilliance is the mastery of the Cut. And that's the one and only characteristic we can control.

What makes a diamond a diamond is its ability to refract light and disperse color. That ability comes from cutting the stone at precisely calculated planes and angles. To say that proper cutting requires a great deal of skill is a masterpiece of understatement. Here's why the Cut is so important:

Ideal Cut

When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to "Ideal" proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.

The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed faces, produces the ultimate in lustre and beauty.

When diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top ONLY and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

Proportions of the Ideal Cut

   
   

Premium Cut

A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond's reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between it's proportions and the display of brilliance.

 

 

Come in and see an Ideal Cut diamond today; you will be able to see for yourself how ideal proportions can maximize the beauty inherent in a gem.

Inferior Cut

Most diamonds are "spread" in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

1. Too Deep
When a diamond is cut too deep, light* leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

2. Too Shallow
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glass and dark.

* - Arrows on the diagram simulate the flow of light in the diamond.
Call Toll Free 1-800-257-6539

Copyright ©  MJ Harrington & Co.