Everyone has heard the various phases about diamonds. One is, "diamonds are forever" and another "is diamonds are a girl's best friend". Movie stars and entertainers have them adorning their necks and hanging from their ears. You can always tell a newly engaged woman, because she can't take her eyes off the diamond ring on her finger. Tennis bracelets are on many Christmas lists and little girls impatiently wait for their first pair of diamond stud earrings.



Our fascination with the gorgeous gems have spanned centuries. They symbolize both prosperity and love and come in different shapes and sizes. They are worn in clusters or as a solitaire, with equal pride and are coveted around the world. The most popular cuts used to be the emerald and the round cut. Now, designers are creating their own patented cuts that present a whole new generation of styles. Some of these cost in the hundreds and thousands of dollars and are coveted by everyone who has a love of these gems.

Even with all the new designs being offered, the round cut diamond remains the favorite. The diamond cut originated in Venice, during the 17th century. Since raw diamonds come in varying shapes, the shape may determine the final cut of the diamond. Round diamonds are cut from octahedron crystal formations. During the cutting process, often more than 50 percent of the formation is cut away. Still many will produce at least two fabulous diamonds. Fancier cuts such as the pear or marquise come from formations that have a more unusual shape. There is also the triple cut brilliant diamond that has 33 facets. The original brilliant cuts had only 17 facets.

The original gem cutting tools were simple were of a simple design. This changed during the 19th century when better tools were developed. This also allowed the gem cutters to create more styles of diamonds and gems. Marcel Tolkowsky published a book called Diamond Design in 1919. The book detailed his innovative technique that combined light and refraction with that of cutting the diamonds. His book led to more advanced cutting techniques, some of which allowed the full brilliance of diamond to come through in a dazzling, fiery display.

Today, it is not uncommon to see diamonds cut in the shapes of stars, animals and even insects. Other cuts such as the heart shaped cut, ovals, trillions and pear shaped diamonds can be seen in many jewelry store cases, their brilliance luring all who enter. Tiffany offers a diamond with their patented Lucida cut. Another patented diamond cut is at least 3 carats and is oblong with rounded ends. It is named the Ashoka diamond and costs a fortune to own. No matter what the shape or size of the diamond, receiving one makes a person feel special and loved.