Last updated on February 17, 2023
Crushed ice cut diamonds are not just a growing trend, they are a timeless classic that is here to stay. Their unique sparkle and versatility make them a popular choice for jewellery lovers everywhere and make them a great investment for those looking for a diamond that will last for generations to come.
What Are Crushed Ice Cut Diamonds?
The crushed ice cut was first introduced in the early 2000s and has quickly become one of the most sought-after cuts for diamonds. It is characterised by its unique facet pattern, which creates a multi-dimensional sparkle that resembles crushed ice or shattered glass. This cut is popular in square and elongated cushion-shaped diamonds. However, it can also come in oval, radiant and other shapes.
The crushed ice cut features numerous tiny facets that reflect light in a way that makes the diamond appear shimmering and glittering. The cutting style that produces the crushed ice effect has four shortened pavilion main facets and an extra row of facets between the pavilion mains and girdle.
The additional facets and their arrangement are designed to bounce off light in different directions, often through the stone’s pavilion instead of the crown, meaning the light bounces around in the diamond instead of returning directly back. This results in a lower level of brilliance and fire but more scattered sparkle than a classic brilliant cut diamond, giving a “crushed ice” appearance. Crushed ice diamonds also tend to lack contrast in a crown view. The facets showing through the table of the stone have reduced definition due to the way light is refracted, resulting in more of a shimmer through the table rather than flashes of light.
The crushed ice cut is not as well-known as other diamond cuts, such as the round or princess cut, and its unique appearance sets it apart from other diamond cuts. The crushed ice cut is a fresh and innovative take on traditional diamond cutting styles, and its popularity is a testament to its beauty and timeless appeal.
Crushed Ice Cut Diamond Characteristics
The key features of the crushed ice cut are the ability to conceal imperfections and enhance the colour of the diamond. The cut’s intricate facet pattern enhances the stone’s colour, making it appear brighter and more vivid. This is because the tiny facets reflect light in different directions, illuminating the colour of the stone from every angle.
The crushed ice is highly durable and low-maintenance cut, making it a great choice for people looking for a diamond that is easy to care for and maintain. The cut’s intricate facet pattern helps to protect the diamond from damage, as the small facets absorb any impact that may occur. In addition, the cut’s symmetry makes it easy to clean and keep in good condition, as there are no large facets that can trap dirt or debris. Another advantage of the crushed ice cut is that it is incredibly versatile. The cut works well with any diamond size, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of jewellery styles.
Along with its advantages, the crushed ice cut also has a couple of disadvantages. While a brilliant cut diamond has a well-defined facet pattern, the crushed ice facets look all broken up and somewhat hazy. In addition, elongated crushed ice cut diamonds always display a bowtie effect, a horizontal dark band running across them. This is the area where more of the light leakage is concentrated. Also, crushed ice cut diamonds look smaller than non-crushed ice cut stones when comparing the two, where both are of equal carat weight. The reason for this is that the crushed ice cut has a heaver pavilion.
In conclusion, the crushed ice cut is a stunning and versatile diamond-cutting style that has taken the jewellery world by storm. Its unique sparkle, versatility, durability, and low-maintenance make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a diamond that is both beautiful and practical. Whether you’re looking for a diamond for yourself or as a gift for someone special, the crushed ice cut is the perfect choice for anyone who loves diamonds and wants to make a statement with their jewellery.
Featured image: avagyanlevon / Canva
