Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Round is the most popular diamond shape, and the round brilliant cut is probably the most popular type of that cut. Brilliant cut diamonds have facets that are shaped like triangles and kites. The facets radiate outwards and are positioned so that the light coming through them interplays to enhance the diamond's brilliance and fire. Today's round brilliant cut diamond has a total of fifty-eight facets, but you may find varying facet numbers in vintage brilliant cut diamonds.

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Rough Diamonds A rough diamond is one in its natural, uncut or unpolished state. Rough diamonds were first prized by the maharajahs of India, who obtained them from the legendary fields of Golconda and treasured them for their primordial mystique. They range in colors from milky white to yellow, green, and brown. Industry observers say the uncut diamonds are being marketed to a subset of customers who increasingly want things that are both exclusive and subtle, conveying status only to people in the know.

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Cubic Zirconia Cubic zirconia, the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide, is a mineral that is widely synthesized for use as a diamond replacement. The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors. Cubic zirconia is so optically close to diamond that only a trained eye can easily differentiate the two.

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