This special range of diamonds is precision-cut with utmost delicacy to maximise the brilliance and fire found in a diamond. A diamond cut according to South African Ideal Cut specifications will be more brilliant, and more valuable than an inferior cut stone of the same weight.
Every single South African Ideal Cut diamond fits within a narrow range of criteria that ensure maximum brilliance, based on a combination of traditional fine craftsmanship, and the latest empirical evidence available.
In 1914 mathematician and diamond cutter, Marcel Tolkowsky, worked out how to cut a diamond so that the light entering it would be reflected inside and then leave only through the top (not through its sides) creating ultimate brilliance. He concluded that the best cut was a round brilliant stone with 58 facets cut at specific angles to each other. Based on this finding, the South African Ideal Cut has been further developed to enhance the diamonds iridescence and fire to as great an extent as possible.
Choosing something as emotional and valuable as a diamond isn't easy. Aware that purchasers require re-assurance that they are buying a precision cut diamond rather than an inferior one, Tim Watson, of Panda Diamonds decided to launch the first branded diamond into the South African Market in 1998. These are sold by leading jewellers countrywide, and consumer response has been overwhelming.
During the last decade, the Gemmological Institute of America has applied computer modelling (and thousands of observations) to measure the effect of the relationship of every facet to the other facet on a diamond. Their findings indicate that a range of proportion combinations provide high brilliance and fire. The South African Ideal Cut' takes cognisance of these findings, and every stone with that certification is guaranteed to fall within this narrow range.
The stones are not only perfectly round and symmetrical, but are cut to ensure maximum brilliance. On average, it takes an experienced craftsman a full day to cut and polish 58 facets onto a one-carat stone - it takes twice as long to create a South African Ideal Cut diamond.
A South African Ideal Cut diamond is valuable anywhere in the world and they all come with two certificates. The first is either from the Jewellery Council of South Africa or the European Gemmological Laboratory. These are independent and internationally-recognised laboratories, which use sophisticated equipment and trained technicians to grade diamonds.
These certificates indicate that the diamond is an authentic, natural diamond that has not undergone irradiation, colour enhancement, laser drilling, fracture treatment or fissure filling. The second certificate guarantees that the diamond has been cut and polished to meet the criteria of a South African Ideal Cut diamond. It is also guaranteed to have been obtained from non-conflict sources.
