Shopping for a diamond often turns even the most inexperienced customer into a diamond expert. Well, perhaps not an expert, but when you’re in the market for a diamond, you’ve got to do a lot of research. This often means that you’ll encounter terms that are frequently used across the jewelry industry, such as “fancy cut diamonds.”
As diamond cut is commonly confused with diamond shape, it can be difficult for shoppers to come up with an accurate definition of the term “fancy cut diamond.” It’s crucial for shoppers to understand the term, before making a final purchase. That said, here’s everything you need to know about fancy cut diamonds and how to choose one like a pro.
What is a Fancy Cut Diamond?
Anything other than a round-brilliant cut is considered a fancy cut diamond. A diamond’s cut should not be confused with a diamond’s shape which is a diamond’s profile. Diamonds are cut by experienced gem cutters who are trained to make cuts within four distinct categories; step cuts, modified brilliants, rose cuts, and mixed cuts.
The Most Popular Fancy Cuts
Generally, the most popular fancy cuts fall into the category of modified brilliants. These fancy cut diamonds essentially take the cut of a round-brilliant and modify it to work with different shapes. Within this family of fancy cuts, you’ll find marquise, heart, pear, oval, and trillion cut diamonds.
Popular cuts belonging to the other fancy cut categories include emerald cuts that utilize step cuts to create the illusion of depth on more shallow stones. Emerald cuts generally have a flat surface with cuts coming in from all four sides of the rectangular-shaped stone. Additionally, the Asscher cut, a square version of the emerald cut, is another popular cut for those who are looking for something with a more refined aesthetic.
A list of popular cuts isn’t complete without mentioning the princess cut diamond! It’s a mixed cut that has appeal in that it generally uses the most of the original stone. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your diamond stone, then princess cut is the way to go. The square-cut diamond takes the look of a pyramid with an x-shape running down the middle. It’s unique, feminine, and timeless.
Pros and Cons of Fancy Cut Diamonds
If you’re not sure whether fancy cut diamonds are right for you, don’t worry! Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of fancy diamond cuts.
Pros
- Fancy cut diamonds are generally less expensive than brilliant rounds.
- The right fancy cut can maximize your diamond’s face-up size.
- There are a ton of options to choose from!
- It can be harder to notice inclusions or blemishes with fancy cut stones.
Cons
- Some fancy cuts like the trillion, require protective prong settings.
- If you are buying a raw diamond, fancy cuts often lose over 50% of the diamond during the cutting process.
Fancy Cut Diamond Buying Tips
There are three rules of diamond buying that one should always adhere to, especially when it comes to purchasing fancy cuts. Here are the top three fancy cut diamond buying tips:
- Always purchase diamonds from a reputable jeweler and ask for a diamond certification.
- If possible, opt to see your diamond in-person before making a purchase. Or, if you’re buying it online, make sure the company has a good return/exchange policy.
- Research. Research. Research! Each fancy cut has its own pros and cons. Make an informed buying decision by researching these details prior to making a final choice.
Conclusion
Buying a fancy cut diamond can be challenging, especially for an inexperienced shopper. However, by doing your due diligence and taking some time before making a final decision, you can guarantee that you’ll come out of the experience with a great stone.
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