The Star 129 diamond cut is the most exquisite and affordable diamond on the market. Invented in 2000, the Star 129 is laser-cut to display 129 facets. It is the first diamond cut by lasers and the resulting precision produces a “perfect” diamond.
But, what is the “perfect” diamond cut, and why is the Star 129 considered to be so? Learn about the Star 129 diamond cut process, and how diamonds are rated. And, find out how and why the cut of a diamond impacts the diamonds overall quality.
WHAT ARE STAR 129 SPARKLE DIAMOND CUTS?
No matter the quality of a diamond, you take out an insurance plan to cover its value and work to maintain its brilliance. So, why not get a diamond that sparkles more and costs less? The highest quality doesn't always have to mean going-in for the most expensive option.
What makes a diamond sparkle and shine? The diamond cut. Each diamond is cut to expose many sides or facets for light to reflect.
The more facets to a diamond, the more angles from which light reflects. The Star 129 Sparkle diamond has 129 diamond cut facets. Most diamonds only have 58-facets.
HOW THE QUALITY OF A DIAMOND IS DETERMINED
The diamond cut performance and precision determines, to a large extent, the overall quality of any diamond. The way in which light reacts inside the diamond is judged on several criteria. In assessment, jewelers measure the brightness, scintillation, contrast, and dispersion of light shown through the diamond.
Brightness or brilliance, measures all the light that is returning to the eye of the observer. Dispersion measures the extent to which white light is broken into its spectrum of colors, as happens in a light prism.
Contrast, is a measurement of the difference between light and dark areas of the diamond, as light shows through. And, scintillation is the degree to which a diamond emits sparkle to the observer, while in motion.
WHAT MAKES THE STAR 129 DIAMOND CUT DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS?
The vast majority of diamonds that exist, and have ever existed on the planet are cut by hand. Even, today, diamonds are hand-cut. And, since diamonds are the hardest mineral on earth, the less cutting required, the easier it is to manufacture.
Even so, traditional diamonds achieve a higher refractive index than that of any other refractive substance. But, the Star 129 diamond cut is not traditional, and features more luster and “fire”.
The Star 129 Sparkle diamond is cut by laser to achieve a level of economy and precision rarely seen in other diamonds. Traditional, hand-cut diamonds have 58 facets. So, the Star 129 diamond cut features an additional 71 facets.
White light works with the extra facets to produce a better dispersion of colors than in most other diamonds. The diamond cut quality of the Star 129 is discernible by observing the performance of color separation.
When examined under white light from above, a low-quality diamond produces green light around the edges and red light in the center. A star diamond, which features a high-quality diamond cut, features majority red light, with blue emanating from the center to the edges, and green light in the center.
To the viewer's eye, the Star 129 diamond cut produces a brighter sparkle from all angles. A conventional brilliant-cut diamond features 24 facets on the base, compared to 96 on a Star 129. When light enters the diamond through the top, instead of emanating straight through the diamond and out from the bottom, the Star 129 directs light around the base and back through the top.
The Star 129 diamond cut appears more brilliant than traditional diamonds because it is designed to reflect more visible light. By mechanizing the diamond cut process, the Star 129 is much cheaper to produce, as well. But, don’t take it on faith – see it for yourself.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Star 129 diamond cut produces a brilliant display of light dispersion that is a testament to brilliant design. It is one of the first of its kind – and it certainly won’t be the last. Expect to see more diamonds being cut by computer-guided lasers in the years to come.
If you want to see the difference in the Star 129 diamond cut for yourself, ask your local diamond jeweler for a demonstration. And keep learning, with more resources on diamond shopping.