A diamond cut constitutes a more or less symmetrical arrangement of facets which together modify the shape and appearance of a diamond crystal. Diamond cutters must consider several factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal, when choosing a cut. The practical history of diamond cuts can be traced back to the Middle Ages, while their theoretical basis was not developed until the turn of the 20th century. Design creation and innovation continue to the present day: new technology-notably laser cutting and computer-aided design-has enabled the development of cuts whose complexity, optical performance, and waste reduction were hitherto unthinkable.
The most popular of diamond cuts is the modern round brilliant, whose facet arrangements and proportions have been perfected by both mathematical and empirical analysis. Also popular are the fancy cuts which come in a variety of shapes-many of which were derived from the round brilliant. A diamond's cut is evaluated by trained graders, with higher grades given to stones whose symmetry and proportions most closely match the particular "ideal" used as a benchmark. The strictest standards are applied to the round brilliant; although its facet count is invariable, its proportions are not.
The Allnatt Diamond, a large Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond
The Agra Diamond
The Amsterdam Diamond, a 33.74 carat (6.748 g) black diamond which sold for $352,000 in 2001
The Archduke Joseph Diamond
The Ashberg Diamond
The Briolette of India Diamond
The Centenary Diamond, the world's largest colorless (grade D), flawless diamond
The Chloe Diamond, the largest top-quality, brilliant-cut white diamond ever to appear at auction, bought for just under $16.2 million and named by Georges Marciano, founder of Guess Jeans.
The Cullinan Diamond, the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found at 3106.75 carats (621.35 g). It was cut into 105 diamonds including the Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa, 530.2 carats (106.04 g), and the Cullinan II or the Lesser Star of Africa, 317.4 carats (63.48 g). (Feature of the British Crown Jewels Imperial State Crown)
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