The Importance of the Cut of Diamond Facets The quality of a diamond is dependent upon the cut of the facets which reflect the brilliance, fire, sparkle and luster of a diamond. In 1458 Lodewyk (Louis) van Berquem of Brugge, Belgium created the first cut diamonds when he discovered that they could be cut by their own dust. Louis van Berquem invented a diamond polishing wheel called a scaif which enabled him to cut the facets of a diamond. Berquem also introduced the concept of using absolute symmetry in the placement of facets on diamonds. From this point diamonds were used as ornaments in jewelry and the process and different techniques for diamond cutting were gradually developed. Diamond Cuts Diamond Cutting Diamond Facets - Facets produce the sparkle What exactly are facets? Diamond facets are the smooth surface areas of a diamond which have been cut, polished and positioned at different angles which allow light to enter and reflect back from the stone. The depth and width and the uniformity of the facets control the brilliance and the durability of a diamond. The quality of the facets of a diamond are the major determining factor in enhancing the diamond's ability to sparkle or reflect light and play a large part in the resulting brilliance of the stone. The following general definitions will help with increasing understanding of diamond Facets: Diamonds are Forever... An Impartial Guide to Diamonds |