High Definition Diamonds

Scene: (Also known as "The Set Up".) Young man walks into a jewelry store to buy a diamond. We’ll call the young man Ralph and the store salesperson Buddy.

Ralph: Hi there, I’m Ralph and I’m looking for a round diamond.

Buddy: Hi, I’m Buddy. What kind of round are you looking for?

Ralph: A shy 1ct, VS-1, G, Class II, no fluorescence, natural and bonded.

Buddy: No problem, what faceting arrangement would you like?

Ralph: Faceting arrangement?

Buddy: Well, are you looking for a Modern Era Cut and if so, which one?

Ralph: Huh?

Buddy: A Modern Era Cut is not only well proportioned, but comes in 58-144 facet combinations.

A Non-Modern Era Cut would be a single cut with 16-17 facets or a full cut 57-58 facets, but Old Miners (squared round) or Old European (high crown, sawed off culet) for weight retention.

Ralph: I definitely want a Modern Era Cut but I didn’t know I could get a multi-facet arrangement to my liking. What’s the theory behind adding more than 58 facets?

Buddy: Oh sir, it’s not a theory, but a proven fact! The more facets, the more brilliance.

Ralph: So a 144 faceted diamond has more brilliance than a 58 faceted diamond?

Buddy: You betcha!

Ralph: Well if that’s true, why would anyone buy less than 144 facets?

Buddy: Personal taste. Some people just can’t handle too much brilliance so they pick the facet number that suits them best. Like picking out what wattage you want your bulb for a lamp.

Ralph: Do these multi-faceted diamonds cost more?

Buddy: Oh yes sir! They are very labor intensive and only the finest rough (what diamonds look like before they are cut) is chosen.

Ralph: So how do I refer to these diamonds?

Buddy: Well Ralph, they all have their own names. For example, The Zoe Diamond has 100 facets and was invented by Gabi Tolkowsky, the nephew to Marcel Tolkowsky who invented The American Ideal. There’s also the Leo Cut from Leo Schachter that has 66 facets for just a little extra zing! Try to think of these multi-faceted rounds as "High Definition Diamonds". You’ll get a clearer, sharper, more brilliant picture.

Ralph: How many types of these "High Definition Diamonds" are out there?

Buddy: Tons, practically, a new one hits the market every day! Let me tell you about…

Ralph: No, that’s okay, I’ll get back with you, I’ve got a headache.