Brilliant, full cut, blue white, and other diamond terms
Words with a defined meaning in the FTC Jewelry Guides.
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Brilliant and full cut
Section 23.17 says the unqualified words "brilliant", "brilliant cut", or "full cut" should describe only a round diamond with at least thirty-two facets plus the table above the girdle and at least twenty-four facets below.
Other shapes
A note to section 23.17 says those words may describe emerald (rectangular), pear, heart, oval, and marquise (pointed oval) diamonds that meet the facet counts, when the shape is named with the term.
Single and rose cuts
The same note says those words should not be applied to single cut or rose cut diamonds.
Properly cut
Section 23.16 says "properly cut", "proper cut", or "modern cut" should not describe a diamond that is lopsided, or so thick or so thin in depth as to detract materially from the brilliance of the stone. Its note says stones called "fisheye" or "old mine" should not be described that way.
Blue white
Section 23.15 says "blue white" should not describe a diamond that, under normal north daylight or its equivalent, shows any color or trace of color other than blue or bluish.
Sources: eCFR, 16 CFR Part 23, Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries.
FAQ
General information only. We are not a jeweler, appraiser, or gemological lab, and we do not grade, appraise, or verify any stone or metal. Before you buy, read the seller's full description, including whether a diamond is mined or laboratory-grown, any treatment, the metal's karat or fineness, and the weight, and check any grading report with the lab that issued it.
Next: flawless and perfect
Two words the Guides define.
