DIAMOND CUT
Key Points
- Cut is a diamond’s most important characteristic.
- It has the greatest overall influence on a diamond’s beauty.
- It determines what we generally think of as sparkle.
TheArmak gemologists recommend selecting the highest cut grade within your budget. The reason is simple: of the Four Cs, no other characteristic has a greater influence on a diamond’s appearance.
A diamond’s cut grade is an objective measure of a diamond’s light performance, or, what we generally think of as sparkle. When a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond (which gemologists refer to as the table). If it is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom; too deep and it escapes out of the side.
Cut Grades
- TheArmak Signature Ideal cut: Our most brilliant cut, representing roughly the top 1% of diamond quality based on cut. The highest grades of polish and symmetry allow it to reflect even more light than the standard ideal cut.
- Ideal cut: Represents roughly the top 3% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond. An exquisite and rare cut.
- Very good cut: Represents roughly the top 15% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.
- Good cut: Represents roughly the top 25% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects most light that enters. Much less expensive than a very good cut.
- Fair cut: Represents roughly the top 35% of diamond quality based on cut. Still a quality diamond, but a fair cut will not be as brilliant as a good cut.
- Poor cut: Diamonds that are generally so deep and narrow or shallow and wide that they lose most of the light out the sides and bottom. Armak does not carry diamonds with cut grades of poor.
What Cut Grade Is Right For Me?
- For the best possible cut, look to the TheArmak Signature Collection. Custom made exclusively for TheArmak , each Signature Collection diamond is hand-selected and cut to the most exacting standards, guaranteeing one of the finest cuts available in the world.
- Diamonds with a cut grade of good or very good represent an excellent combination of beauty and value.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how cut affects a diamond’s light performance (or sparkle), learn about the second of the Four Cs, color.
To learn even more about cut, including technical information on light performance, brilliance, fire, polish and symmetry, please visit the tips & hints section. To see the individual parts of a diamond, visit our Diamond Anatomy chart.
Have A Question
DIAMOND COLOR
Key Points
- Color refers to a diamond’s lack of color, grading the whiteness of a diamond.
- A color grade of D is the highest possible, while Z is the lowest.
- TheArmak only sells diamonds with a color grade of J or higher.
Color manifests itself in a diamond as a pale yellow. This is why a diamond’s color grade is based on its lack of color. The less color a diamond has, the higher its color grade. After cut, color is generally considered the second most important characteristic when selecting a diamond. This is because the human eye tends to detect a diamond’s sparkle (light performance) first, and color second.
At TheArmak , you’ll find only the finest diamonds with color graded D-J. Diamonds graded J or better are colorless or near-colorless, with color that is typically undetectable to the unaided eye.
NOT CARRIED AT THEARMAK
THEARMAK DIAMONDS
Z-N
M-K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
NOTICEABLE COLOR
NEAR-COLORLESS
COLORLESS
Diamond Color
Z-N
Noticeable color. Not carried by TheArmak .
M-K
Noticeable color. Not carried by TheArmak .
J-I
Near-colorless. An exceptional value with slightly detectable warmth or tone.
H-G
Near-colorless. Color difficult to detect unless compared side-by-side against diamonds of better grades. An excellent value.
F-E
Colorless. Minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.
D
Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade. Extremely rare.
What Color Is Right For Me?
- For the purist, look for a colorless diamond with a grade of D-F for a diamond with no discernible color.
- For an excellent value in a diamond with little or no noticeable color to the unaided eye, look for a near-colorless grade of G-I
Now that you understand how color affects the white look of a diamond, you are ready to learn about clarity.
Want to learn even more about color? Check out our tips and hints section.
DIAMOND CLARITY
Key Points
- Clarity is a measure of the number and size of the tiny imperfections that occur in almost all diamonds.
- Many of these imperfections are microscopic, and do not affect a diamond’s beauty in any discernible way.
Much is made of a diamond’s clarity, but of the Four Cs, it is the easiest to understand, and, according to many experts, generally has the least impact on a diamond’s appearance. Clarity simply refers to the tiny, natural imperfections that occur in all but the finest diamonds. Gemologists refer to these imperfections by a variety of technical names, including blemishes and inclusions, among others. Diamonds with the least and smallest imperfections receive the highest clarity grades. Because these imperfections tend to be microscopic, they do not generally affect a diamond’s beauty in any discernible way.
Diamond Clarity
FL, IF
Flawless, Internally Flawless: No internal or external imperfections. Internally Flawless: No internal imperfections. Very rare.
VVS1, VVs2
Very, Very Slightly Included: Very difficult to see imperfections under 10x magnification. An excellent quality diamond.
VS1, VS2
Very Slightly Included: Imperfections are not typically visible to the unaided eye. Less expensive than the VVS1 or VVS2 grades.
SI1, SI2
Slightly Included: Imperfections are visible under 10x magnification, and may be visible with the unaided eye. A good diamond value.
I1
Included: TheArmak offers a limited selection of jewelry with diamonds of I1 grade clarity. This grade of diamonds will have minor inclusions that may be visible to the unaided eye.
I2, I3
TheArmak does not carry diamonds of I2 or I3 grade clarity.
What Clarity Grade Is Right For Me?
- Select an “eye-clean” diamond – one that has no imperfections visible to the unaided-eye through the crown. An excellent value, diamonds of this clarity are much less expensive than flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamonds, which are extremely rare and command higher prices.
- Frequently, imperfections in diamonds graded slightly included (SI) are not visible to the unaided eye, making them an excellent value. If you’re considering a diamond with an SI clarity grade, call to speak to a diamond and jewelry consultant who will review the diamond to ensure the imperfections are not visible to the unaided eye.
Now that you understand clarity, learn about a diamond’s carat weight.
To learn even more about clarity, please visit the tips & hints section.
Have A Question
DIAMOND CARAT WEIGHT
Key Points
- Carat is specifically a measure of a diamond’s weight, and by itself may not accurately reflect a diamond’s size.
- We tend to evaluate diamond size by viewing it from the top because that is how diamonds are presented to us when set into a ring.
- To understand diamond size, carat weight should be considered in conjunction with two other criteria:
- – Distance in millimeters across the top of the diamond.
- – Diamond’s cut grade.
Diamond Carat Size Chart
This print out illustrates how diamonds of different carat weights and shapes will appear when viewed from the top down.
Your diamond may differ from the printout in length/width ratio, table, and depth.
(This document is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader download it for free.)
As the name suggests, carat weight specifically refers to a diamond’s weight. However, much as a person’s weight does not necessarily correlate with height, carat weight, by itself, may not accurately reflect a diamond’s size. To gain a precise understanding of diamond size, TheArmak recommends considering carat weight with two other characteristics: 1) the distance across the top of the diamond measured in millimeters, and 2) the diamond’s cut grade.
It is important to measure the distance across the top of the diamond as this is how we view a stone when set into a ring.
A diamond’s cut grade should also be considered because, as we noted in the cut grade section, when a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, the maximum amount of light (or sparkle) is returned out of the top of the diamond. Thus, when a diamond is well cut, the light reflected out of the top makes it appear larger. In addition, much of the weight of a poorly cut diamond, for example, may be “hidden” in the base of the diamond, making the diamond appear smaller than its carat weight would imply.
It is therefore possible to have a diamond of a lower carat weight, but higher cut grade, that appears larger than a diamond with a larger carat weight, but poor cut.
Once you’ve selected your cut, color, and clarity grade, it’s easy to determine the carat weight of diamond that will fit within your budget.
Much as there are 100 pennies in a dollar, a one-carat diamond is comprised of 100 points. Hence, 50 points is equal to 1/2-carat, and so on.
This chart illustrates how diamonds of different carat weights look when set in a ring. Note that a 2-carat diamond does not appear to be twice the size of a 1-carat diamond when viewed from the top.
Choose a carat weight
1/4
1/3
1/2
3/4
1
1 1/2
2
3
4
5
What Carat Weight Is Right For Me?
To choose the best carat weight of diamond, consider the size of her finger, the size of your setting, and your budget.
- If a large carat weight is important to you, yet you’re working within a strict budget, consider a diamond with a good cut, SI1-SI2 clarity, and an I or J color grade.
- Diamond prices jump at the full- and half-carat weights. Diamonds just below these weights cost significantly less, and, because carat weight is distributed across the entirety of the diamond, small size differences are almost impossible to detect.
- Keep in mind that the smaller the finger, the larger the diamond will appear. A 1.5-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8.
- Not all settings will fit all diamond carats or shapes. If you have already selected a setting, check the diamond specifications of your ring or ask your TheArmak Diamond and Jewelry Consultant ( 1-877-Armak-01 (276-2501)) for help. If you need a special jewelry piece created, TheArmak can accommodate almost any request.
For even more help determining what size is best is to get an idea of what she is expecting. If you research carefully, you can get answers without even raising her suspicions. For ideas and suggestions on how to choose the right engagement ring, read our Engagement Ring Guide.
DIAMOND SHAPE
At TheArmak , we apply the same high quality standards to all of our diamond shapes. We have an exceptional collection of traditional round diamonds and we also offer the finest non-round, or “fancy-shaped”, diamonds available. All of our certified diamonds are graded by the GIA or AGSL to have FL-SI2 clarity, D-J color, and Ideal, Very Good, Good, or Fair cut. Our Signature Diamonds are the finest quality diamonds available, and we offer them in round, princess-cut, Asscher-cut, and emerald-cut shapes.
Choose Your Diamond Shape
Since all diamond shapes are very different, unique characteristics determine quality for each shape. Select your shape below to learn how to recognize the most beautiful diamond. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact one of our Diamond and Jewelry Consultants who can help you find the diamond that’s perfect for you.
Round
The round brilliant cut diamond is by far the most popular and most researched diamond shape available today. For almost 100 years, diamond cutters have been using advanced theories of light behavior and precise mathematical calculations to optimize the fire and brilliance in a round diamond. In addition to being the most popular and researched shape, a round diamond will typically give you more flexibility in terms of balancing cut, color, and clarity grades while still getting the fire and brilliance you want.
To maximize the brilliance of a traditional round diamond, select one in the two highest cut grades, ideal or very good, and choose ideal, excellent, or very good polish and symmetry grades. For the finest ideal round diamonds available, view the TheArmak Signature Round Collection.
Princess
This is our most popular non-round diamond. Its beautiful brilliance and unique cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings. The princess has pointed corners and is traditionally square in shape. When choosing a color grade, consider that while the price of a J-color non-round diamond is exceptional, color may be slightly visible in its corners. Also, princess-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how square or rectangular they are. To find the dimension of princess you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. This will determine what the diamond will look like when viewing it from above. Here are length-to-width ratios for princess-cut diamond shapes that are pleasing to the eye.
For a princess diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10. For the most brilliant princess available, view the TheArmak Signature Princess-Cut Collection.
Emerald
What makes this shape different is its pavilion, which is cut with rectangular facets to create a unique optical appearance. Due to its larger, open table, this shape highlights the clarity of a diamond. If you choose an emerald-cut with a lower clarity grade, such as SI, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate. Also, emerald-cut diamonds can vary greatly in how rectangular they are. If you’d prefer an emerald cut with a squared outline, look for an Asscher-cut diamond. To find the shape of emerald you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For the classic emerald-cut shape, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.40. For the highest standard of craftsmanship available in an emerald-cut diamond, view TheArmak Signature Emerald-Cut Diamond Collection.
Asscher
This beautifully unique shape is nearly identical to the emerald-cut, except that it is square. Also, this shape has a pavilion that is cut with rectangular facets in the same style as the emerald-cut. If you choose SI-clarity be sure to view the clarity plot on the diamond certificate, because this shape highlights the clarity of the diamond. When choosing a color grade, consider that while the price of a J-color non-round diamond is exceptional, color may be slightly visible in its corners.
All Asscher-cut diamonds from TheArmak will appear square, because each one is guaranteed to have a length-to-width ratio between 1.00 and 1.05. For our ideal Asscher-cut diamond, view the TheArmak Signature Asscher-Cut Diamond Collection.
Marquise
The shape of a marquise diamond can maximize carat weight, giving you a much larger-looking diamond. This brilliant-cut diamond looks beautiful set with round or pear-shaped side stones, and the length of the marquise makes fingers appear long and slender. To find the dimension of marquise you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For the most traditional marquise-cut diamonds, look for length-to-width ratios between 1.75 and 2.25.
Oval
An oval diamond has beautiful brilliance that’s similar to a round diamond. Oval diamonds are also very popular as their length can accentuate long, slender fingers. To find the dimension of oval you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For the most traditional oval diamonds, look for length-to-width ratios between 1.33 and 1.66.
Radiant
Trimmed corners are the signature of this diamond, and they help make the radiant-cut a popular and versatile choice for jewelry. A radiant-cut looks equally beautiful set with either baguette or round side-diamonds. Radiant-cut diamonds can vary in their degree of rectangularity. To find the dimension of radiant you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For a radiant diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10.
Pear
This brilliant-cut diamond is also called a teardrop for its single point and rounded end. The unique look of the pear shape helps make it a popular choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. If you choose an elongated pear shape, the length of the diamond creates a subtle slimming effect on the fingers.
To understand what the diamond will look like when viewing it from above, look for the length-to-width ratio on each diamond’s detail page. For the most traditional pear-shaped diamond, look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.45 and 1.75.
Heart
The heart is the ultimate symbol of love. The unique look of the heart-shaped diamond helps make it a distinctive choice for a variety of diamond jewelry. When choosing a color grade, consider that while the price of a J-color heart shaped diamond is exceptional, color may be slightly visible in its corners. To find the dimension of heart-shape you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For a more traditional heart-shaped diamond, look for length-to-width ratios between .90 and 1.10.
Cushion
This unique shape has been popular for more than a century. Cushion-cut diamonds (also known as “pillow-cut” diamonds) have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets highlight the diamond’s clarity, so if you choose an SI clarity grade, be sure to review the clarity plot on the diamond certificate. Cushion-cut diamonds are available in shapes ranging from square to rectangular. To find the dimension of cushion you want, look for the length-to-width ratio in our interactive diamond search and on each diamond’s detail page. The length-to-width ratio will determine the diamond’s outline, or what it will look like when viewed from the top.
For a cushion-cut diamond that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.15.
DIAMOND CERTIFICATION
Before purchasing a diamond, you should expect to review a copy of its certificate as proof that it has undergone an unbiased, professional examination.
What Is A Certificate?
A diamond certificate, also called a diamond grading report, diamond dossier®, or diamond quality document, is a report created by a team of gemologists. The diamond is evaluated, measured, and scrutinized using trained eyes, a jeweler’s loupe, a microscope, and other industry tools. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the diamond’s dimensions, clarity, color, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. Many round diamonds will also include a cut grade on the report.
TheArmak Diamonds Are Certified
Every loose diamond sold by Armak has been analyzed and graded by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). These two laboratories are among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry, and are known for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems. Diamonds that are accompanied by these grading reports are the most highly valued in the industry.
In addition to being graded by either the GIA or the AGSL, all TheArmak Signature Collection diamonds are certified byGCAL. This additional certification provides a second independent and authoritative analysis of your diamond. GCAL also verifies that your diamond meets all of the demanding quality requirements of the TheArmak Signature Collection diamonds.
View Certificates While Shopping
If you are interested in a specific certified diamond at TheArmak , you can view its certificate on our site before purchase. We offer a variety of grading reports and documentation:
- GIA Diamond Grading Report
- GIA Diamond Dossier®
- AGSL Diamond Quality Document
- GCAL Certificate of Diamond Authenticity
- Armak Appraisal
If you are interested in a diamond and a certificate is not available for viewing on the site, simply contact a diamond and jewelry consultant at [email protected] or 1-877-Armak-01 (276-2501).
More About Cut
How Does TheArmak Grade Diamond Cut?
TheArmak uses cut grades provided by GIA and AGSL whenever these are available. Many diamonds graded by the GIA prior to January 1st, 2007 do not have such grading. If a cut grade is not provided by one of these laboratories, TheArmak defaults to a proportion system that uses measurements of depth and table to determine the amount of brilliance in a particular diamond’s cut. Learn more about how TheArmak provides cut grades that allow you to compare diamonds using consistent criteria.
NATURAL COLORED DIAMONDS
Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color and is referred to as a colored diamond. For this reason, colored diamonds are purchased almost exclusively for the intensity and distribution of the diamond’s color. Criteria considered when purchasing a white or colorless diamond, such as cut proportions and clarity, are less important when purchasing a colored diamond. The information below will help you understand colored diamonds to determine the diamond that’s right for you.
Color
Color intensity, the deepness or richness of color, is the most important consideration when purchasing a colored diamond. The more intense the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be. All of our TheArmak colored diamonds possess natural color and are never exposed to artificial coloring techniques such as dyeing or irradiation.
Carat
After color grade, carat weight has the most impact on price for colored diamonds. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones. This makes large diamonds much more valuable. For this reason, diamond prices for colored diamonds rise exponentially with carat weight. Learn more about carat weight in our Diamond Education section.
Clarity
Due to the nature of colored diamonds, clarity is less important than it is in their colorless counterparts. This is true because inclusions tend to be masked by the diamond’s color.
Cut
Colored diamonds are primarily cut to emphasize their color. This contrasts with colorless diamonds that are cut to maximize sparkle or brilliance, which in some instances can detract from the natural color of a colored diamond. While colored diamonds still exhibit brilliance, color is the most important characteristic considered when they are being cut.
Shape
While cut describes a diamond’s light performance, dimensions and finish; shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond when viewed from the top (e.g. round, princess or marquise). It’s important to note that many colored diamonds are cut into non-traditional shapes to enhance their natural color. Due to the rarity of colored diamonds, a specific shape in a specific color may not be available at any given time. If you’re seeking specific criteria in a colored diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewelry Consultants at 877.Armak.01(276-2501) for more information.
Certification
All TheArmak colored diamonds are independently analyzed and graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which is among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry. Each diamond is accompanied by a colored diamond identification and origin report. This authoritative report lists the diamond’s specifications including its color grade, and ensures its natural origin.
Setting Colored Diamonds
When choosing a setting for a colored diamond, it is best to choose a setting material that will enhance the natural color of your diamond. For example, yellow diamonds are often set in yellow gold, while pink diamonds look best when set in rose gold. If you have questions about the best setting for your colored diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewelry Consultants at 1 877.Armak.01(276-2501) for more information.
NATURAL COLORED DIAMONDS
Only one in every 10,000 diamonds possesses natural color and is referred to as a colored diamond. For this reason, colored diamonds are purchased almost exclusively for the intensity and distribution of the diamond’s color. Criteria considered when purchasing a white or colorless diamond, such as cut proportions and clarity, are less important when purchasing a colored diamond. The information below will help you understand colored diamonds to determine the diamond that’s right for you.
Color
Color intensity, the deepness or richness of color, is the most important consideration when purchasing a colored diamond. The more intense the color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be. All of our TheArmak colored diamonds possess natural color and are never exposed to artificial coloring techniques such as dyeing or irradiation.
Carat
After color grade, carat weight has the most impact on price for colored diamonds. When diamonds are mined, large gems are discovered much less frequently than small ones. This makes large diamonds much more valuable. For this reason, diamond prices for colored diamonds rise exponentially with carat weight. Learn more about carat weight in our Diamond Education section.
Clarity
Due to the nature of colored diamonds, clarity is less important than it is in their colorless counterparts. This is true because inclusions tend to be masked by the diamond’s color.
Cut
Colored diamonds are primarily cut to emphasize their color. This contrasts with colorless diamonds that are cut to maximize sparkle or brilliance, which in some instances can detract from the natural color of a colored diamond. While colored diamonds still exhibit brilliance, color is the most important characteristic considered when they are being cut.
Shape
While cut describes a diamond’s light performance, dimensions and finish; shape refers to the overall outline of the diamond when viewed from the top (e.g. round, princess or marquise). It’s important to note that many colored diamonds are cut into non-traditional shapes to enhance their natural color. Due to the rarity of colored diamonds, a specific shape in a specific color may not be available at any given time. If you’re seeking specific criteria in a colored diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewelry Consultants at 1 877.Armak.01(276-2501) for more information.
Certification
All TheArmak colored diamonds are independently analyzed and graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), which is among the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry. Each diamond is accompanied by a colored diamond identification and origin report. This authoritative report lists the diamond’s specifications including its color grade, and ensures its natural origin.
Setting Colored Diamonds
When choosing a setting for a colored diamond, it is best to choose a setting material that will enhance the natural color of your diamond. For example, yellow diamonds are often set in yellow gold, while pink diamonds look best when set in rose gold. If you have questions about the best setting for your colored diamond, please call our Diamond and Jewelry Consultants at 1 877.Armak.01(276-2501) for more information
SIGNATURE DIAMONDS
Cut is considered the most important characteristic of a diamond, because it has the biggest effect on brilliance. This is why we created the TheArmak Signature Diamond Collection – for those who want the finest diamond cut available.
Choose Your Diamond Shape
See how we maximize brilliance in each of these diamond shapes.
Round Emerald
Princess Asscher
To ensure the highest quality, we start with the finest uncut diamond rough found in nature. Because of its natural shape and crystalline structure, the diamond rough is first cut in two. Then each piece is meticulously analyzed by our master diamond gemologists, who mark it for facets with proportions that will produce the most brilliance.
Brilliance Is Key
The dimensions of the TheArmak Signature diamond are very specific, leaving no room for error. If a diamond is cut even slightly out of proportion, it may yield more carat weight but it will not be as brilliant. In fact, to create a diamond with this much brilliance, as much as 74% of the diamond rough must be cut away. TheArmak Signature round diamond comes with an additional certification from the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab that shows the exceptional amount of brilliance emitted from these diamonds.
Perfect Proportions
Proportions affect how light travels within the diamond. Diamonds that are cut too shallow and wide, or too deep and narrow lose light out the sides or bottom, causing the diamond to lose brilliance. TheArmak Signature Diamonds are cut to perfect proportions, allowing the diamond to reflect the maximum amount of light a diamond can produce.
Exceptional Symmetry
The alignment of a diamond’s facets, or symmetry, also has a strong effect on diamond brilliance. Each facet is like a mirror. When the facets are symmetrically aligned, all of that reflected light is focused directly at your eye. In the illustration to the left, the diamond on the left has poor symmetry and the facets do not align. As a result, light is misdirected within the diamond and brilliance is lost. The diamond on the right is a TheArmak Signature Diamond, its facets are symmetrically aligned and cut to standards that ensure its brilliance is emitted evenly.
Double Certification
All TheArmak Signature Collection loose diamonds are certified by GCAL in addition to being graded by the GIA or AGSL. This provides you a second authoritative analysis of your diamond. GCAL also verifies that your diamond meets all the specific quality requirements of the TheArmak Signature Collection.
With perfect symmetry and perfect proportions, TheArmak Signature Diamonds are cut to gather and reflect light, for maximum brilliance. Come see the finest of all ideal-cut diamonds in the TheArmak Signature Collection. Choose from round,princess-cut, emerald-cut or Asscher-cut diamond shapes.
Gemprint®
All Signature stones have been screened for Gemprint and must be registered at Gemprint®. Many insurance companies offer a 10% discount if your diamond is registered in the Gemprint® International Registry at Gemprint.com. For a list of companies, see Insurance Discounts.
SIGNATURE ROUND DIAMONDS
Cut exclusively for TheArmak , our Signature round diamonds start with the finest diamond rough available. To maximize their brilliance, each diamond is cut to precise proportions with more exact symmetry and polish.
Signature Round Standards
Depth %:
60.1-61.9%
Table %:
55.0-57.0%
Polish:
Ideal
Symmetry:
Ideal
Report:
AGSL/GIA, GCAL
view the signature round collection
Hearts And Arrows
The term Hearts and Arrows is used to describe the visual effect achieved in a round diamond with perfect symmetry and angles. The Hearts and Arrows effect is exhibited in all of our round TheArmak Signature Collection diamonds. When viewed under special magnification, the perfectly aligned facets of the TheArmak Signature diamonds reveal the Hearts and Arrows pattern. From the bottom, eight perfectly symmetrical hearts can be seen and, when viewed from the top, eight completely uniform arrows.
Armak Signature Round Diamond
Perfectly symmetrical hearts
Completely uniform arrows
Not Armak Signature Round Diamonds
Asymmetrical hearts, uneven intervals
Incomplete arrows, irregular elements
Irregular hearts, uneven spacing
Broken arrows, malformed shapes
Broken hearts, irregular shapes
Unrecognizable
arrows
Learn more about TheArmak Signature Difference.
SIGNATURE PRINCESS DIAMONDS
To achieve the first and only princess-cut diamond with ideal standards, master cutters start with the finest diamond rough. These diamonds are cut to TheArmak ‘s exacting proportions to maximize light performance, brilliance, fire and scintillation.
Signature Princess-Cut Standards
Crown Height:
8.5-13.5%
L/W Ratio:
Square (1.0-1.05)
Depth %:
63.0-72.0%
Table %:
65.0-74.0%
Polish:
EX to VG
Symmetry:
EX to VG
Report:
GIA, GCAL
view the signature princess-cut collection
Precise Symmetry
Each TheArmak Signature princess-cut diamond has exacting proportions, and is certified to have a length-to-width ratio no greater than 1.05. TheArmak Signature princess-cut diamond features a high crown that almost doubles the industry standard. The higher crown allows these diamonds to gather more light, while the precise polish and symmetry enable them to display increased brilliance.
With its smaller table and precise symmetry, TheArmak Signature princess-cut diamond is able to return more light. Each diamond is crafted to maximize quality over size. While typical diamonds are cut to a depth of 88% or more, TheArmak Signature diamonds are cut to a depth of 72% or less, sacrificing approximately 6% carat weight to ensure higher quality.
Learn more about TheArmak Signature Difference.
SIGNATURE EMERALD DIAMONDS
Each TheArmak Signature emerald-cut diamond starts with hand selected diamond rough. Master diamond cutters cut the rough with exacting proportions to get a length-to-width ratio between 1.30 and 1.40, considered perfect for achieving the classic emerald-cut look.
Signature Emerald-Cut Standards
Crown Height:
9.0-13.9%
L/W Ratio:
1.30-1.40
Depth %:
60.0-68.0%
Table %:
61.0-69.0%
Polish:
EX to VG
Symmetry:
EX to VG
Report:
GIA, GCAL
The First Ideal Emerald-Cut Diamond
TheArmak was the first to apply ideal standards of brilliance to the emerald cut diamond. A culet and higher crown – as well as exceptional proportions, symmetry, and polish – maximize brilliance and stop light from escaping. This brilliance is achieved by larger crown facets which capture more light, while the distribution of pavilion facets reflects more light. In addition, all TheArmak Signature emerald-cut diamonds have a guaranteed clarity of VS2 or better, so you can be confident yours will be eye-clean.
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SIGNATURE ASSCHER DIAMONDS
TheArmak Signature Asscher-cut diamond starts with the finest uncut diamond rough available. To achieve the Asscher-cut’s classic squared look, master diamond cutters cut the rough with exacting proportions to get absolutely perfect length-to-width ratios.
Signature Asscher-Cut Standards
Crown Height:
10.1-16.5%
L/W Ratio:
Square (1.0-1.05)
Depth %:
58.0-67.0%
Table %:
53.0-62.0%
Polish:
EX to VG
Symmetry:
EX to VG
Report:
GIA, GCAL
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Maximum Brilliance
With wider corners, this diamond’s eight sides can capture more light from all angles to produce the pattern of repeated squares distinctive of this beautiful diamond. To create maximum brilliance, the TheArmak Signature Asscher-cut features a crown height greater than 10%. This creates a smaller table and larger crown facets that capture and return more light. In addition, TheArmak Signature Asscher-cut diamonds over 2 carats feature a culet, which enhances the face-up appearance on larger diamonds.
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SIGNATURE CUSHION DIAMONDS
The patented TheArmak Signature cushion-cut diamond displays unparalleled light performance for this shape. These modern cushion-cut diamonds were designed and created exclusively for TheArmak . They feature a one of a kind facet structure that was designed specifically to display the level of brilliance, fire, and scintillation normally found only in round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Signature Cushion-Cut Standards
L/W Ratio:
Square (1.0-1.05)
Polish:
EX to VG
Symmetry:
EX to VG
Report:
GIA, GCAL
Hearts and Arrows:
confirmed
Each TheArmak Signature cushion-cut diamond is cut to exacting proportions. Every dimension and angle must fall within a very narrow range for the diamond to earn its Signature report. Additionally, the length-to-width ratio is limited to 1.05 or less, ensuring a perfectly square cushion-shaped outline. The extremely tight tolerances ensure that every TheArmak Signature cushion-cut diamond displays the same level of unparalleled light performance.
Hearts And Arrows
The term “hearts and arrows” is used to describe the visual effect achieved when a diamond is cut with perfect symmetry and angles, and is indicative of exceptional brilliance. TheArmak Signature cushion cut diamond features a unique set of proportions that display the hearts and arrows pattern typically found only in round brilliant-cut diamonds. When viewed under special lighting filters, the perfectly aligned facets of TheArmak Signature cushion-cut diamond reveal the instantly recognizable hearts and arrows pattern: eight perfectly symmetrical hearts can be seen when viewed from the bottom, and eight completely uniform arrows can be seen when viewed from the top.
All TheArmak Signature Collection diamonds are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) in addition to being graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). This provides you a second authoritative analysis of your diamond and verifies that your diamond meets all the specific quality requirements of the Armak Signature Collection, including an optical light performance profile. All Signature diamonds are inscribed with the Armak logo and the unique certificate number on the girdle, visible with magnification.
Learn more about TheArmak Signature Difference. View cushion-cut diamonds from our TheArmak Signature Collection.