Hello, Could someone please explain how a Belgian cut diamond
differs from a modern brilliant cut diamond. I am sorry, but I was
unable to find this Thank you. Best, Will
Will, “Belgian cut,” “Russian cut,” etc. are ONLY a description of
the location where the diamond cutting was performed…That is the
THEORY, at least. In actual practice, a buyer has no way to know
where it was actually done, but must rely on the honesty of the
vendor. If one is qualified, one can verify color and and clarity
independently, based on one’s own knowledge, but there is no 'test’
for origin or location of cutting factory. 99%+ of all round
diamonds are 58 facet round brilliants, and both good and bad
proportions come out of all cutting centers. (Although some have
better reputations than others.)
There was a large cutting operation in Puerto Rico in years past ( I
don’t know if it still exists,) but I have never seen a diamond
marketed as “Puerto Rican cut.” Probably because the name doesn’t
have ‘cachet.’
Dear William, What is a Belgian cut diamond ? Is it a diamond cut in
Belgium or is it a diamond cut in a certain way ? Ergo, do Belgians
cut diamonds differently ? Since Belgium has long been a diamond
cutting and brokering center I would have to assume that Belgians
would cut diamonds any which way; i.e. whatever way the potential
buyer might wish. I certainly have never heard of a "Belgian cut"
diamonds diamonds typically are cut in a way that best enhances the
optical attributes of the stone.The various gem labs have come to
accept certain cutting profiles as being best suited for diamonds
and they are prepared to judge the compliance thereof. These cuts
are based on the optical characteristics of the stone. Many attempts
have been made to suggest that certain deviations in cutting diagrams
might provide the purchaser with a more brilliant, more
scintillating stone. These efforts have been based on squeezing more
profits from the diamond sale. Unfortunately, the purported
enhancement has seldom been proportional to the “enhanced” cost of
the stone. Therefore, the question remains…what is a Belgian cut
stone ? Ron at Mills Gem, Los Osos, CA…
will - perhaps the reference was to diamonds cut ‘in belgium’ -
antwerp is - was - whatever - the diamond cutting center of the
trade for a long time. former in-law of a belgique diplomatique - ive
Dear Ron and Others, You are right, there is no cut that is
specifically Belgian. I found a Belgian cut diamond at
www.kashmirblue.com (see diamonds, p. 1), but it only means that the
diamond has been cut in Belgium. I didn’t know this, and for a while
I thought it had to do with a lower table %, but that is not the case.
Best, Will
There was a large cutting operation in Puerto Rico in years past ( I don't know if it still exists,) but I have never seen a diamond marketed as "Puerto Rican cut." Probably because the name doesn't have 'cachet.'
Lazar Caplan has their cutting operation in Puerto Rico. Their
marketing is based on all diamonds being cut to ideal proportions in
their own plant. They also have one of the best polish jobs you will
see. I believe they were the ones that got the laser inscription of
serial numbers started.
Spike Cornelius
Portland, Or
RC ArtMetal
Hello, as far as I know, there’s a slight difference between the
European an the American or Tolkowsky cut, having the first a
slightly lower crown and thinner girdle than the second. But I’m not
sure. Bye. Fernando.
In addition to my website I also work for a wholesale diamond
company on 47th st. in New York City. I was discussing The subject
of Belgium cut diamonds with the owner of the company and came to
understand the following:
Diamond dealers may refer to the terms Russian or Belgium make when
describing a parcel. (Make refers to the proportions and I believe
that the polish is also considered with this) This term is
proportion driven and not location driven. The reason that this
term is utilized is because the makes from the two countries are
generally exceptionally good. He emphasized that when a term is
used this way the dealer is not saying that the particular stone was
cut in Belgium or Russia He explained to me that in Russia
specifically, diamonds were cut by the book the last few decades.
Under the communist regime, they did not have the commercial
incentive that independent diamond cutters have. ie: Indian cutters
used to and still are today cutting diamonds for the maximum yield
for rough and not particularly concerned for proportions. As far as
actual diamonds cut in Belgium, they have always cut in nice
proportions. From what I understand Belgium has become more of a
hub and there are less cutters than before.
Diane Sadel
http://www.sweetgemstones.com