Diamonds
Diamonds are among the most popular gemstones worldwide. 'The big five' of gemstones are diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald and jade.
Well-known diamond cuts
Brilliant cut (round brilliant)
Also called "the round brilliant": the most famous and popular cut with 57 facets. With its exceptional brilliance and modern, timeless look, this shape can be seen in many engagement rings and other jewelry.
Princess cut
The princess cut is the second most popular diamond cut after the brilliant. The cut is unique to each stone. The princess cut always keeps its square shape but the number of facets may vary.
Emerald cut
An emerald cut diamond has a rectangular or square cut with both the pavilion and the vertices cut off. This cut was initially devised specifically for the emerald (emerald) because this stone can be very prone to damage. The polished off vertices make the stone less vulnerable. Later people started applying this cut to diamonds as well.
Marquise brilliant
Also described as a boat shape, the marquise brilliant has 58 facets, is long, narrow and tapers to the ends. It is actually also a brilliant cut, only the outline is different from that of the round brilliant. The brilliance comes from the center of the diamond.
Pear brilliant
The pear brilliant is a combination of the round and the marquise brilliant. One side is round and the other side is cut into a point. In a ring, the point should point toward the fingertips.
Oval brilliant
As the name suggests, the oval cut diamond has an oval shape. The bottom of the oval can vary; the more facets on the bottom, the more beautiful the brilliance.
Royal Asscher cut
The Royal Asscher cut was developed in 1902 by the Asscher brothers of Amsterdam. This cut is similar to the emerald cut, except that the Asscher is square and has no less than 74 facets.
Natural or synthetic diamond
Whether a diamond comes from the depths of the earth or is made artificially cannot be seen with the naked eye. There are different processes for making synthetic diamonds in a laboratory. Artificial coloring or tinting of diamonds is also done in a laboratory. If you want to be sure of a naturally shaped diamond, buy it from the jeweler.
Maintenance of diamond jewelry
Diamond is the hardest stone on earth. Therefore, the setting of your diamond jewelry is a lot more fragile than the stone.
- Do not wear diamond jewelry during rough work or when using a chlorine bleach as this can damage the setting (not the diamond).
- Have your jewelry checked by a jeweler or goldsmith at least once a year. This will check them for loose settings and signs of wear. They usually get a professional cleaning right away.
- Old or antique jewelry with diamonds, where the bottom of the setting is closed, should never come into contact with moisture. Moisture can then get under the stone, which cannot get out. However, these pieces of jewelry can be brushed clean with dry chalk powder.
- Jewelry with diamonds can become dull from skin grease, soap, cosmetics or dust. The incidence of light is then obstructed, while it is precisely that brilliance, that infinite play of light, that makes diamonds so irresistible.
- Jewelry with diamonds in an open setting (the setting is open at the bottom, making the stone visible from the bottom) will remain beautiful if they are gently brushed occasionally in lukewarm soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush to do this.
- Jewelry with diamonds also freshens up from some lukewarm water with a dash of ammonia. Soak the jewelry in this for half an hour. Then pat the front and back of the settings well with a soft brush. Rinse again with the solution and let the jewelry dry thoroughly.
- Of course, jewelry can also be cleaned with a liquid jewelry cleaner. Your jeweler or goldsmith sells several excellent care products.
Also, when it comes to maintaining your diamond jewelry, ask your jeweler or goldsmith for advice.
Go to the jeweler or goldsmith for assurance
Your jeweler or goldsmith can answer all your questions about diamond jewelry and help determine your choice. The professional experience combined with your personal taste leads to a piece of jewelry you know all about and that truly suits you.
'The big five' of gemstones are diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald and jade.