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Diamond or Brilliant – what is the difference?
We are frequently asked by customers whether the gemstone in the engagement ring is a diamond or a brilliant. At this point, we would like to explain the fundamental difference:
- Diamond is a gemstone
- Brilliant is a cut type
A diamond is the base stone that is mined in many mines as a rough diamond. The rough diamond can be cut into numerous shapes. The most popular cut form is the so-called round brilliant cut with its 57 facets. This cut is chosen to achieve the highest degree of light refraction in the gemstone. Furthermore, the brilliant cut is the most efficient way to shape the gemstone with comparatively low material loss.
The short form of this cut type is generally referred to as a brilliant. Nevertheless, for various reasons, not all diamonds are cut in this form.
So it is correct that many diamonds are also brilliants. Particularly in the jewelry sector and among expert professionals, both terms are frequently used synonymously. However, since other gemstones such as sapphires or synthetic stones such as cubic zirconia can also be cut in the brilliant cut, ultimately:
Engagement Rings in All Shapes
Basic Rule
A brilliant does not have to be a diamond and a diamond does not have to be a brilliant. (Only a diamond in brilliant cut is, among other things, a brilliant.)
Why are not all stones cut as brilliant?
The diamond in brilliant cut has the highest standardization on the commercial market and thus generally achieves the best market price. The high demand for brilliants means that many rough diamonds are cut as brilliants, although the cutting loss is usually around 60%.
Depending on the raw material of the rough diamond, however, it may be that a brilliant cut is not technically or economically viable. This can have several reasons:
- The rough stone has very deep or very flat proportions
- The rough diamond has strong inclusions or color changes in certain areas where it makes more sense to avoid these during cutting
Depending on the specifications, the cutting facility decides to bring the rough stone into a different cut form. In addition to the round cut, square or rectangular cut types are therefore also possible.
In general, there is also demand for other shapes such as emerald, heart, princess cut or oval cuts.
Difference between Brilliant and Brilliant?
According to German spelling, one correctly speaks of a brilliant. The spelling "Brilliant" is incorrect in German and comes from English. Nevertheless, both spellings are widespread in general usage.
