Diamond Brilliance

Cut in a cone shape with many facets that results in maximal light return through the top. Rarely less than 50% of the diamond is removed. The Source of the Diamond's Brilliance Modern diamonds has 58 facets (faces) and are shaped like two pyramids sitting base to base with a thin "girdle" separating them. The top pyramid (crown) has a large inner table surrounded by three circles of facets, an inner circle of 8 (star) facets, a middle circle of 16 (kite) facets and an outer circle of 16 (upper girdle) facets. The lower pyramid (pavilion) consists of one cutlet (a small central circle located at the apex) surrounded by a circle of 8 (pavilion) facets that are surrounded by a circle of 16 (lower girdle) facets. In recent years diamond cutters have begun adding as many as 96 facets or more to the surrounding girdle, but these are not counted as official facets. The brilliance of the diamond depends on the polish and alignment of the facets, the crown angle, pavilion angle, table size, and length of the lower facets. Absorbed light can reflect off any facet, so the path light follows within the diamond is complex. The understanding of how best to arrange the facets so as to maximize light return has grown more and more complex. Several groups have developed grading standards that best describe the gem cutters success at maximizing light return when the distance to the viewer's eye is anywhere from 10 – 16 inches. All experts agree that optimal face placement is the key to brilliance.

What Makes a Quality Diamond

What Makes a Diamond Valuable ? When describing the quality of a diamond, professionals use the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grading system. The GIA establishes the diamond's character based on four factors. Rarity of a diamond's characteristic often influences how graders rate it. Color: Colorless diamonds are hard to find; most diamonds have yellow or brown tints. So the closer a diamond gets to colorless, the more it is worth. The DIA color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z. Because colorless diamonds are so uncommon, there is a rapid rise in price as a diamond approaches colorless. Clarity: A diamond's clarity is based on the relative absence of inclusions or blemishes (clarity characteristics). Blemishes are external scratches or nicks, whereas inclusions are flaws on the inside of the diamond, although they may break the surface. Diamonds are graded by a skilled examiner who looks at it under 10X magnification. A flawless diamond has no internal or external imperfections when examined under magnification. These diamonds are so rare that a diamond professional may never see even one in his whole career. Cut: Cut refers to the way a diamond cutter created facets on the diamonds surface. A superior cut will affect the amount of light returned to the viewer's eye (the face-up appearance). A well polished diamond will be bright (lots of white light reflected back to the observer), colorful (containing flashes of color called fire), and scintillating (exhibiting attractive contrast of light and dark areas). Size: Diamonds are carefully weighed in carats. One metric carat is two-tenths (0.2) of a gram. As the diamond's size increases so does its value relative to other diamonds of similar color, clarity, and cut. But because larger diamonds are much rarer, a larger diamond costs more per carat than a smaller one.

10 Popular Diamond Cuts

10 Popular Diamond Cuts The diamond shape varies in its length to width ratio and the type of cut. Below is a description of the 10 most popular diamond cuts. 1. Round is the most popular diamond cut. It offers flexibility in balancing cut, color, and clarity without sacrificing fire and brilliance. 2. The princess cut features a square cut with pointed corners. Its brilliance and beautiful cut makes it a favorite for engagement rings. 3. An oval cut creates brilliance similar to a round cut. Its exact shape is characterized by the length to width ratio. 4. The radiant cut features trimmed corners and is a popular choice for jewelry. The overall shape varies from square to rectangular depending on the length to width ratio. 5. The pear or teardrop cut is a popular choice for many types of jewelry. When worn as part of a ring, the elongated diamond enhances the contour of wearer's finger. 6. The cushion cut or "pillow cut" has rounded corners and larger facets, which enhances its clarity. Its shape varies from square to rectangular depending on the length to width ratio. 7. The emerald cut features a pavilion cut with rectangular facets and a large open table giving it a hall of mirrors effect. Its shape varies greatly depending on its length to width ratio. 8. An asscher cut is similar to an emerald cut except that its shape is square. Like the emerald cut, this cut shows off the diamond's clarity. 9. The marquise cut is oblong with curved borders that come to a point at each end. This cut stands out as it features the diamond's size and appears larger than other cuts of the same caret weight. 10. The heart cut, as its name suggests, makes the diamond heart shaped. It expresses love and is a popular choice for romantic jewelry.

Kruckemeyer & Cohn: Style is coming back to town!

When the 120 year old family-owned Kruckemeyer & Cohn closed last fall due to the owner retiring, it was feared the tradition of quality jewelry and extraordinary customer service in the Tri-State would be lost. Fortunately, long-time employee Brent Beaman was given the opportunity to purchase Kruckemeyer &Cohn several weeks later, and it re-opened November 2015 with several of the prior employees. 

Although the name and location remain unchanged, there were several updates which make this store a “must see”! The new, younger owner is working to bridge generational gaps by having well-made bridal and fashion jewelry in several styles and price points. His staff will ensure anyone who walks in can have a piece of Kruckemeyer & Cohn jewelry as unique as they are. Several new lines are being brought in this year to embody the new spirit of the store.

Kruckemeyer & Cohn also has a direct link to some of the world’s most renowned diamond cutters. They can provide the highest quality diamonds at the best values in town. “Our prices would be competitive in the diamond district of New York. That’s no small feat for a store in the Midwest,” states Brent. Diamond upgrades, repairs, and appraisals are offered even if the item was purchased elsewhere. Kruckemeyer and Cohn recognizes the loyalty of prior clientele by continuing to honor the warranty program offered by the previous owners.

The new diamond program is one of many positive changes. “We are excited to provide our customers with the Wish-List program.” Office Manager Lauren Beaman stated. “People can choose the pieces they want and the gift-giver can come in later and select something from the list. It allows for the person who picked out the items to still be surprised by what’s in the little blue box. There is no drama or stress for the gift-giver. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

When you shop at Kruckemeyer & Cohn, you are supporting a locally owned business which understands the importance of giving back to the community. Its staff volunteers for non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and makes donations to local organizations including everything from high schools to hospitals.

Style is back in town thanks to the new Kruckemeyer & Cohn! Their hours are 10-6 Monday - Thursday,  10-7 on Fridays, and 10-5 on Saturdays with extended holiday hours.  Kruckemeyer & Cohn is located at 944 N Burkhardt Rd in Evansville, IN. For more information, call 812-476-5122 or visit www.kandcjewelers.com. YOU are the top priority at the new Kruckemeyer & Cohn!