Measure of the table width expressed as a percentage of the diameter. Table size is a proportion important to the balance between brilliance and dispersion.
Table Size
Step Cut
Symmetry
Degree and regularity in shape and placement of facets, how well they align and relate to each other. Symmetry is very important to the life in a diamond, especially the brilliance; it affects how light is reflected and refracted in a diamond. Symmetrical round brilliant cut diamonds often display hearts & arrows.
Synthetic Diamond
Man-made versions of the diamonds found in the earth. Synthetic diamonds have the same chemical structure and properties as natural diamonds, but are created in a laboratory in only a few days, instead of in the earth over billions of years – they sell at a much lower price. Click here to learn more about synthetic diamonds.
Single-Cut
Star Facets
Triangle shaped facets on a round brilliant cut diamond surrounding the table facet. When viewed as a whole, they resemble an 8-point star.
Scintillation
Shape
Simulant
Any material that is meant to look like or imitate a diamond, but is not a natural or synthetic diamond. Examples of diamond simulants: cubic zirconia, moissanite, and glass.
Rough Diamond
Diamond in its natural state, exactly as it is found in the earth, prior to undergoing cutting, polishing, or alteration of any kind. See DCLA: Rough Diamond Services.