carat weight and size "appearance"

[mbp]

I have heard from several friends that have bought loose diamonds that a smaller carat weight can actually appear larger depending on how a diamond is cut.

I am looking at ideal cut round diamonds. Do all ideal cuts look true to their size? Are there any hints I should know about what optimal dimensions of a round diamond make it look the largest regardless of carat weight?

I am trying to educate myself as much as possible and not fall into size trap based on weight not appearance.

i appreciate any advice!

 

[pricescope]

Mbp, welcome to the forum.


----------------
I have heard from several friends that have bought loose diamonds that a smaller carat weight can actually appear larger depending on how a diamond is cut.
----------------


It is true and applies for any diamond not only small.



Spready (shallower) diamonds have larger diameter than deep cut diamonds.

Ideal cut diamonds have good combination of its appearance and spread. But there are different combinations of crown and pavilion angles that produces nice diamonds so some ideal cut diamonds might have smaller diameter than others.

which takes spread into account.[/u][/u][/u]

 

[slmulkey]

Yes, that is true, a larger diamond can appear smaller if it is cut poorly. For example, if it is cut too deep, much of the carat weight will be concentrated on the bottom portion of the diamond, which is not what people typically look at. This can also cause the diamond to look dull, not as sparkley as a well cut diamond. For specific guidelines, you can check out the tutorial on this site.

 

[pricescope]

Slmulkey, less than 10 second difference in posting

 

[mbp]

thanks for teh response. I am going to go through the tutorial.

How do I know the crown and pavillion numbers? Are they listed on all certificates? Is this something I nned to ask the person at blue nile?

 

[pricescope]

If it is AGS graded stone, you'll find crown and pavilion in the grading report.

You can just post here the carat weight, proportions and measurements and certificate. It'd be easy to tell whether the spread is ok.

Btw, Blue Nile have Sarin machine in house, you can ask them to measure it for you.