Difference: Diamond & Brilliant – what you need to know

Sparkling, sparkling more, diamonds and brilliants. They are coveted and absolutely fascinating at the same time. But what exactly is the difference between a diamond and a brilliant ? In everyday life, these terms are often used synonymously, although there is a clear definition for both. Today we are dealing with the difference: diamond or brilliant ? And one thing in advance: both are sparkling!

What is a diamond?

Diamonds are probably the most well-known gemstones and have adorned all kinds of jewelry for centuries. They consist of pure carbon and are traditionally created in the earth's interior under high pressure. What sets them apart is their particularly pronounced hardness and durability. As a result, these beautiful eye-catchers often accompany us for a lifetime. At fejn, we rely on lab-grown diamonds for our clean real jewelry pieces. Although they are not created in the earth's interior, they are not inferior to conventional diamonds in terms of beauty or quality. But what is the difference between diamonds and brilliants? Don't worry, we'll get to that now!

Diamond, brilliant: what is the difference?

So is a brilliant not a diamond? Yes, of course. But what is a brilliant? A brilliant is simply a diamond that has been cut in a special way. This brilliant cut is used to get the best possible sparkle out of the gemstone. If the diamond has been cut into a brilliant, up to 58 facets reflect the light and create the magical brilliance that we all love so much, right?

What does brilliant mean?

Did you know? The word "brilliant" is French and means "shining" or "sparkling". The term is therefore particularly fitting because brilliant-cut diamonds refract light in a unique way. No other type of cut produces such radiance.

What is the difference between diamond and brilliant

Let's get to the point: the difference between a diamond and a brilliant is not in the material or size, but simply in the cut. A diamond is a specific gemstone, the raw material, so to speak. If this is then refined with a brilliant cut, we speak of brilliants. This cut is popular not least for engagement or wedding rings, because brilliants sparkle particularly beautifully.

The type of cut of a diamond is one of the 4C criteria for assessing the value of a diamond. A high-quality cut not only looks beautiful, but also significantly determines the value of the gem.

These diamond cut types are available

The brilliant cut is particularly common and popular, but that doesn't mean that there aren't countless other types of gemstone cut. And one thing is for sure: each type of gemstone cut has its own special appeal. Which cut suits a diamond best depends on many factors. Your own taste naturally plays the most important role. It also makes a difference which piece of jewelry the stone is intended to complement. But there are factors that lie with the stone itself. Color, clarity and size also play a role in choosing a particular cut.

The list of cuts is long. However, these are particularly popular:

• Emerald cut : This type of cut has a rectangular, step-like shape and is particularly popular for larger diamonds. The look of the cut is minimalist and clear. The flat facets reflect the light in a particularly elegant and calm way.

• Princess cut : This is a square cut. Princess cut diamonds are very popular for engagement rings and, alongside the brilliant cut, are real classics. They sparkle particularly intensely.

• Oval cut : This cut is very similar to the brilliant, but slightly longer. The special shape makes the stones appear slightly larger and the ring optically lengthens the fingers.

• Heart cut : How romantic! Of course, this cut is very popular for engagement rings. However, it also demands a lot from jewelers: maximum precision and symmetry are required.

Diamond and Brilliant: What matters

We understand: There is a difference between diamond and brilliant! Every brilliant is a diamond, but not every diamond is a brilliant. Some diamonds remain uncut. Still others are refined with a heart, emerald, oval, princess cut or a completely different cut. What is relevant is the properties of the diamond as a raw material and what purpose the piece of jewelry is intended to serve. And in the end, the decisive factor is individual taste.