A critical factor in the cut of a diamond is symmetry – the alignment of its many facets (or surfaces) in relation to one another.

• A classic "round brilliant" cut includes 58 facets, and every single one must be positioned in perfect geometric relation to the others.

• If the diamond has been cut properly, the light that enters the stone will bounce from facet to facet before reflecting back to your eye. This gives the diamond maximum brilliance.