subject: Choosing A Cut And Shape In Loose Cut Diamonds [print this page] There are many benefits to buying loose cut diamonds rather than buying diamonds in a local jewelry store. One of these benefits is that the loose cut diamonds will often cost thirty to thirty-five percent less than buying a diamond in a local store. This means that a larger stone or one that is cut in a more expensive way can be purchased online for the same amount of money as a lesser stone in a local store.
In addition, buying a loose cut diamond gives the individual the world to shop in rather than just the local area in which he lives. This opens up many more choices in diamonds and pricing, in addition to allowing the individual to take the time to shop in the comfort of his own home. There are also more opportunities for more unique diamonds such as loose black diamonds, which are more difficult to obtain through the local stores, especially when living in smaller towns.
Cuts
There are about ten different cuts that are used in loose cut diamonds. When choosing any loose cut diamond, the individual should make sure that the seller is reputable, which means that they should check the Better Business Bureau and also check to make sure that the diamonds are certified by an independent laboratory such as the GIA, AGS, EGL or HRD. These precautions help individuals to be certain that they will not be scammed out of their money when purchasing loose cut diamonds.
There are about five standard cuts of diamonds that are used today. The first is a Round Brilliant cut which has fifty-eight facets in it. The more the facets, the more brilliantly the diamond will sparkle in the setting. The Emerald cut is another cut that is commonly used.
The Cushion cut has more facets in it, with about sixty facets, the Radiant cut has seventy facets, and the most brilliant cut is the Asscher cut with between seventy-two to seventy-four facets in it. The cuts also help to determine the pricing of the loose cut diamonds on the market.
There are also about five fancy cuts that are used in loose cut diamonds. The Princess cut is often popular in engagement rings. The Marquise cut is boat shaped and is a variation of the Round Brilliant cut. There is also the Oval cut which is also a variation of the Round Brilliant cut. The Pear cut looks like a tear drop, and the Heart cut looks like a heart.
