Diamond Education & Care
Diamonds are cut into many different shapes, each having its own unique sparkle & purpose.
A very classic diamond shape, the marquise has an elongated shape with pointy ends. It is most commonly used as the center stone of an engagement ring, oftentimes as a solitaire stone to make it stand out.
Developed in Holland in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers, now known as the Royal Asscher cut, this cut has stepped squares and cropped corners, closely resembling the rectangular emerald cut diamond.
The most common diamond shape sold today, round diamonds have 58 facets that shine brilliantly when cut correctly. It is used on almost all types of diamond jewelry.
A relatively new cut and quickly gaining popularity, princess cut diamonds are most often used on engagement rings and tennis bracelets. It is a square-shaped diamond cut with numerous sparkling facets.
This rectangular-shaped diamond with cut corners is easily identified by the "flat steps" that are cut into the diamond. Since it lacks the facets that other diamonds have, inclusions and colors are more pronounced. Explore Emerald Cut Diamonds
This teardrop-shaped diamond can be used for jewelry, such as pendants, earrings, or or with other stones on rings. With its single point and round end, it creates a slimming effect on fingers when used for engagement.
An even and perfectly symmetrical cut, the oval-shaped diamond is a popular engagement ring shape for women with small hands. Its elongated shape gives a flattering illusion of length to the hand.
Can be found square or rectangular, with 70 facets to maximize the effect of its sparkle. The design requires a lot of skill to make so that more light is directed toward the middle of the diamond to produce maximum brilliance.
A beautiful shape to use especially for pendants, this symbol of love is cut in the shape of a heart. It is a very difficult diamond to cut correctly, so make sure to pay close attention to how even the stone is cut.
This antique cut is very popular for engagement rings, especially when it is surrounded by a "halo" of diamonds. It is very similar to the oval-cut diamond in terms of shape and contains very large facets.
Diamond Education
The cut of a diamond determines how well it reflects light. When a diamond is expertly cut, light reflects from one facet to another and disperses through the top of the stone, creating a dazzling appearance. However, if a diamond is cut too deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavilion, diminishing brilliance and causing the center of the diamond to appear dark. Conversely, if a diamond is cut too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can reflect, resulting in a glassy and dark appearance.
Cutting a diamond is one of the most challenging skills for any diamond cutter or polisher to master. Modern-day certification systems, like those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), assist buyers in making informed decisions. The GIA’s grading system for cut ranges from "Excellent" as the highest grade to "Poor" as the lowest. At La Bijouterie, we exclusively work with hand-picked, excellent-cut diamonds to maximize brilliance. The term "Hearts and Arrows" is commonly used in the industry to describe diamonds that, when viewed through a special scope, display eight hearts from the back (viewed from the culet) and eight arrows from the top (viewed from the table). As Certified Diamond Graders from the GIA and the Diamond High Council in Antwerp, we take pride in educating our clients on why one diamond's cut outshines another.
Each and every diamond is one of a kind. No single diamond is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification (under a loupe), except for diamonds that have been graded 'flawless' by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). These are extremely rare, so much so that most jewelers have never even seen one let alone sold one! The GIA clarity scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling into the vs (very slightly included) or si (slightly included) categories. In determining a clarity grade, the gia system considers the size, nature, position, color or relief, and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10× magnification.The grades range from flawless to included as follows:
- flawless (fl) - no inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification.
- internally flawless (if) - no inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10× magnification.
- very, very slightly included (vvs1 and vvs2) – inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10× magnification.
- very slightly included (vs1 and vs2) – inclusions are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification.
- slightly included (si1 and si2) – inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification.
- included (i1, i2, and i3) – inclusions are obvious under 10× magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance.
Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed in metric carats. One carat equals 0.2 grams and is divided into 100 points. For instance, a 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats. However, two diamonds with the same carat weight can vary significantly in value depending on factors such as clarity, color, cut and dimensions.
The value of a diamond is also influenced by its color. The closer a diamond is to being colorless, the higher its value. The GIA’s color grading scale is the international standard, starting with "D" (colorless) and progressing to "Z" (light yellow or brown). Each grade represents a range of colors. For example, a diamond graded "D" at the top of the range will appear whiter than one near the bottom of the range, which may resemble an "E" color. Distinguishing these differences requires an expert eye. White diamond engagement rings are particularly sought after. G-H color diamonds are popular because they appear white without displaying a yellow tinge. I-J color diamonds can also appear white under natural daylight, and skilled designers can set them to minimize any visible yellow hue.
Taking Care of Your Diamond
At La Bijouterie, we offer a lifetime cleaning service for our customers. For the life of your ring, we’ll clean it in our industrial-strength ultrasonic cleaner as often as you like. We will also inspect the setting to ensure your diamond remains safe and secure—all at no charge.
Our ultrasonic cleaner operates at over 20,000 vibrations per minute, removing dirt and oil in less than 30 seconds. This complimentary service ensures your diamond maintains its brilliance for years to come. Additionally, there are other cleaning options you can use at home:
Detergent Bath
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a mild liquid detergent, such as dish soap. Immerse your jewelry in the solution and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse under warm running water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
Jewelry Cleaner
Use a liquid jewelry cleaner kit for a quick and easy clean. Follow the instructions provided with the product for the best results.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
Jewelry manufacturers and workshops rely on ultrasonic cleaning tanks, which use vibrations and a cleaning solution to remove dirt. While small home units are available, La Bijouterie offers complimentary professional cleanings for our valued customers.
F.A.Q.
Buyers often worry about diamond grades, pricing and authenticity. Understanding diamond grading involves learning about the "Four Cs": diamond color, clarity, cut and diamond carat weight. Pricing varies based on these factors, with colorless diamonds and higher diamond clarity typically commanding higher prices. To ensure you’re investing in a quality diamond, review its grading report from a reputable laboratory like GIA or IGI. Additionally, La Bijouterie offers conflict-free diamonds, ensuring ethical sourcing for peace of mind.
