In the pantheon of fine jewelry design, the baguette cut diamond represents the purest manifestation of geometric restraint, architectural balance, and modernist sophistication. While brilliant-cut diamonds rely on chaotic, multifaceted scintillation to dazzle the eye, the baguette cut operates on the principles of classical balance and pristine step-cut transparency.
Originating during the creative explosion of the 1920s Art Deco era, the baguette cut was engineered to break away from traditional romantic flourishes. Master lapidaries developed this clean, rectangular silhouette to echo the streamlined silhouettes of modernist skyscrapers, cubist artwork, and avant-garde industrial design. Today, whether serving as tapered side stones framing a breathtaking round or emerald solitaire, or assembled in continuous straight channels for an unbroken ribbon of light, baguette diamonds remain the definitive mark of cultured taste.
At RareCut, our high jewelry ecosystem operates across Two distinct Houses:
- The Vault: RareCut's in-house curated sanctuary for IGI-certified Type IIa lab-grown diamonds, solid gold, and platinum.
- House of Silver: Powered directly by the B2B 925 sterling silver manufacturing powerhouse of Izara Gems, delivering bold, sculptural 925 sterling silver statement creations, architectural cuffs, and modern heirloom treasures.
Curated with precision step-cut geometry in The Vault, this publication-ready guide delivers an exhaustive technical, aesthetic, and structural analysis of baguette cut diamonds.
1. The Anatomy of a Baguette Cut: Step-Cut Faceting Physics
The name baguette originates from the French word for "rod" or "wand" (and colloquially, the iconic slender loaf of French bread). In gemology, a baguette diamond is a slender, elongated step-cut diamond characterized by straight, parallel facets that run lengthways and crossways along the crystal axes.
THE ANATOMY OF A STRAIGHT BAGUETTE CUT
Table Facet (Open Window)
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/| |\
Crown Step / | | \ Crown Step
/ | CROWN | \
+---+-----------------------------+---+
| GIRDLE |
+---+-----------------------------+---+
\ | | /
\ | PAVILION | /
Pavilion Step \| |/ Pavilion Step
+-----------------------------+
Keel LineFacet Architecture and Optical Mechanics
Unlike a standard round brilliant diamond with 57 or 58 triangular and kite-shaped facets, a standard baguette diamond typically features between 14 and 24 parallel step facets:
- The Panoramic Table: A large, flat, rectangular top facet that occupies a substantial percentage of the diamond's crown surface area.
- Concentric Crown Steps: Two to three linear tiers of rectangular facets descending from the table to the girdle.
- The Linear Girdle: The outer protective edge dividing the upper and lower sections of the diamond.
- Pavilion Steps and Keel Line: Step facets descending to a long, sharp keel line at the base rather than a single pointed culet.
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| STEP CUT OPTICS VS BRILLIANT CUT OPTICS |
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| Optical Dimension | Baguette Step Cut | Round / Oval Brilliant Cut |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+
| Facet Geometry | Linear, parallel steps | Triangular and kite facets |
| Facet Count | 14 to 24 facets | 57 to 58 facets |
| Dominant Light Signature | Broad white light flashes | Pinfire chromatic fire |
| Optical Phenomenon | Hall of Mirrors effect | High-frequency scintillation |
| Inclusions Visibility | Maximized (Unforgiving) | Masked by light dispersion |
| Aesthetic Character | Architectural, calm | Explosive, kaleidoscopic |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+Because of their linear geometry, baguette diamonds do not produce the rainbow-colored chromatic dispersion (fire) typical of brilliant cuts. Instead, they generate wide, crystalline flashes of pure white reflection alternating with deep planes of internal reflection, creating the celebrated Hall of Mirrors effect.
2. Tapered Baguettes vs Straight Baguettes: Structural Comparison
Baguette diamonds exist in two primary physical silhouettes: Straight Baguettes and Tapered Baguettes. Each form serves a distinct architectural purpose in high jewelry.
STRAIGHT BAGUETTE TAPERED BAGUETTE
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| | \ /
| | \ /
| Parallel Edges | \ Tapered Edges /
| | \ /
+-----------------------+ +---------------+
Equal Width at Ends Narrower BaseThe Straight Baguette
A straight baguette is a perfect rectangle with perfectly parallel side edges and identical widths at both terminal ends.
- Primary Application: Eternity bands, five-stone rings, geometric channel settings, watch bezels, and linear drop earrings.
- Visual Impression: Rhythmic, uniform, structured, and unapologetically modernist.
- Length-to-Width Ratios: Typically ranges from 1.50:1 (compact block) up to 4.00:1 (slender needle).
The Tapered Baguette
A tapered baguette features two parallel end edges of unequal width, connected by angled side edges that taper inward from the wide base toward the narrower tip, forming a symmetrical trapezoid.
- Primary Application: Flanking side stones in three-stone solitaire engagement rings, focal accents in ballerina cluster rings, and curved chevron bands.
- Visual Impression: Dynamic, directional, elegant, and optically focusing.
- Taper Angle Range: Typically cut with an inward side taper ranging between 10 degrees and 25 degrees.
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| TAPERED VS STRAIGHT BAGUETTES: SELECTION MATRIX |
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| Design Parameter | Straight Baguettes | Tapered Baguettes |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+
| Outline Silhouette | True Rectangle (90 deg) | Symmetrical Trapezoid |
| Primary Setting Style | Channel / Bar Stacking | Three-Stone Shoulder Flanking |
| Optical Role | Continuous linear rhythm | Guiding eye toward center gem |
| Matching Complexity | Moderate (Length/Width) | Extreme (Angle/Spread/Length) |
| Common Pairing Solitaires | Emerald, Radiant, Cushion | Round, Oval, Emerald, Marquise|
| Metal Requirement | Solid 14K/18K Gold, Plat | Solid 14K/18K Gold, Plat |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+3. Tapered Baguettes as Side Stones: The Three-Stone Solitaire Masterclass
There is no three-stone engagement ring design more historically revered or aesthetically refined than a heroic center solitaire flanked by a perfectly calibrated pair of tapered baguettes.
THE ARCHITECTURAL THREE-STONE SOLITAIRE
Tapered Center Tapered
Baguette Solitaire Baguette
+------+ +----------------------+ +------+
\ / / | | \ \ /
\ / | | EMERALD CUT | | \ /
\ / \ | SOLITAIRE | / \ /
++ +----------------------+ ++
|| || ||
|| Solid 18K Gold Band ||The Geometric Funnel Effect
The primary optical function of tapered baguettes in a three-stone mounting is the Geometric Funnel Effect.
When a ring sits on the finger, the wider base of each tapered baguette rests flush against the shoulder of the center stone, while the narrow tip points down toward the ring shank. This triangular convergence creates an optical arrow that directs the viewer's gaze straight to the crown of the center solitaire.
Harmonizing Shapes with Tapered Baguettes
1. Round Brilliant Solitaire + Tapered Baguettes
- The Dynamic: The organic, spherical curvature of the round brilliant contrasts against the sharp, linear step facets of the tapered baguettes.
- The Result: The baguettes anchor the round diamond, giving an otherwise classic round solitaire an architectural Art Deco structure.
2. Emerald Cut Solitaire + Tapered Baguettes
- The Dynamic: Pure step-cut harmony. Both the center diamond and the side stones share identical parallel faceting and Hall of Mirrors optical behavior.
- The Result: The ultimate expression of old-money elegance and quiet luxury. The step facets cascade outward from the center stone down the sides of the finger.
3. Radiant or Cushion Cut Solitaire + Tapered Baguettes
- The Dynamic: High-octane crushed-ice scintillation in the center framed by calm, structural step cuts on the flanks.
- The Result: The baguettes create visual breathing room, allowing the intense fire of the radiant or cushion center to command full attention without overwhelming the setting.
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| SIDE STONE PROPORTIONAL CALIBRATION BLUEPRINT |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+
| Center Diamond Carat Weight| Ideal Tapered Baguette Total| Ideal Side Stone Length Ratio|
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+
| 1.00 ct to 1.50 ct | 0.25 ct to 0.35 ct total | 40% to 45% of center length |
| 2.00 ct to 2.50 ct | 0.40 ct to 0.55 ct total | 45% to 50% of center length |
| 3.00 ct to 4.00 ct | 0.60 ct to 0.85 ct total | 50% to 55% of center length |
| 5.00 ct+ (Hero Vault Cut) | 0.90 ct to 1.25 ct total | 55% to 60% of center length |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+-------------------------------+4. Straight Baguette Eternity Bands and Channel Architectures
While tapered baguettes dominate three-stone rings, straight baguettes are the undisputed champions of modern eternity bands, wedding bands, and high-fashion stackers.
STRAIGHT BAGUETTE CHANNEL-SET ETERNITY BAND
Solid Gold Upper Rail
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| +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ +---+ |
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Solid Gold Lower RailSetting Architectures for Straight Baguettes
1. The Channel Setting (Maximum Armor and Modernity)
In a channel setting, straight baguette diamonds are slipped between two continuous parallel walls of solid gold.
- Structural Advantage: The top and bottom edges of every baguette diamond are completely protected under the solid gold lip, eliminating prong wear and preventing diamond chipping during daily wear.
- Aesthetic Advantage: Creates an unbroken ribbon of ice with zero metal interruptions between adjacent stones.
2. The Bar Setting (Architectural Transparency)
In a bar setting, diamonds are separated and held in place by narrow perpendicular bars of gold placed between each stone.
- Structural Advantage: Allows maximum ambient light to enter through the sides of the baguette diamonds, increasing luminosity.
- Aesthetic Advantage: A bold, industrial look that highlights the distinct rectangular outline of each individual step cut.
3. The Flush Bezel East-West Band
Straight baguettes are oriented horizontally along the perimeter of the band, each enclosed in an individual bezel frame.
- Structural Advantage: Ultimate comfort with zero snag points, sitting perfectly flat against the skin.
- Aesthetic Advantage: An ultra-contemporary minimalist band ideal for active luxury lifestyles.
5. The Non-Negotiable 4Cs Quality Standards for Baguette Diamonds
Because baguette diamonds possess an open, glass-clear table facet and very few internal reflections, they are the single most transparent and unforgiving cut in gemology. Flaws that would remain completely undetectable in a round or oval brilliant diamond are instantly visible in a baguette.
At The Vault, every baguette diamond we mount is cultivated as an ultra-pure Type IIa lab diamond and inspected under 10x gemological magnification to meet the following non-negotiable thresholds.
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| THE VAULT 4Cs CRITERIA FOR BAGUETTE DIAMONDS |
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| 4Cs Attribute | Minimum Commercial Standard | The Vault Non-Negotiable Standard |
+-------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Clarity Grade | SI1 (Visible Inclusions) | VS1 to VVS1 (100% Eye-Clean) |
| Color Grade | H-I (Visible Warmth) | D, E, or F (Icy Colorless) |
| Polish & Symmetry | Good / Very Good | Excellent Polish & Precision Cut |
| Crystal Type | Type Ia (Nitrogen Impurities) | Type IIa (100% Pure Carbon) |
| Pair Calibration | +/- 0.20 mm Variance | Laser-Calibrated (<0.02 mm Diff) |
+-------------------+-------------------------------+-----------------------------------+1. Clarity: The VS1+ Iron Rule
In brilliant diamonds, hundreds of facet reflections scatter light, camouflaging small internal pinpoints, feathers, and carbon crystals.
In a baguette diamond, looking through the table is identical to looking through a pristine pane of window glass. If there is a black pinpoint or an internal fracture inside the crystal, there is no optical scintillation to hide it. It will sit in plain sight.
- VS1 / VVS2 / VVS1: Non-negotiable for baguette diamonds. Inclusions are microscopic and undetectable without 10x magnification.
- VS2: Acceptable only if the inclusion is an ultra-faint white pinpoint positioned directly against the outer girdle edge beneath a setting prong.
- SI1 / SI2 / I1: Strictly prohibited. Any inclusion in a step cut disrupts the Hall of Mirrors reflection, creating an obvious dark blemish.
2. Color: Absolute D-F Colorless Purity
Because baguette step cuts reflect broad sheets of white light, any underlying yellow or brown body tint in the crystal matrix is concentrated along the step tiers.
Furthermore, when tapered baguettes are set as side stones flanking a D or E color center solitaire, even a one-grade color drop in the side stones (such as pairing an E center with G baguettes) will cause the side stones to look dull and yellow by contrast.
At The Vault, our master gemologists guarantee that all paired baguette side stones match the exact color grade of the center solitaire within half a shade.
3. Dimensional Calibration: The RareCut Lapidary Standard
When setting a pair of tapered baguettes or an eternity band of 25 straight baguettes, optical failure occurs if the stones are not dimensionally identical.
- Length, Width, and Depth Matching: Tolerances must be held within 0.02 millimeters.
- Taper Angle Alignment: In tapered baguettes, the angle of taper on the left stone must mirror the right stone down to a fraction of a degree.
- Table Percentage and Step Tier Count: Both stones must feature the exact same number of step tiers (e.g., two-step crown vs three-step crown) to ensure identical light reflection patterns.
Through high-precision laser sawing and robotic lapidary calibration, every baguette suite mounted by RareCut is cut from synchronized Type IIa crystal growth batches for absolute optical coherence.
6. Precious Metal Metallurgy: 14K vs 18K Solid Gold in The Vault
A baguette diamond setting demands extraordinary metal stability. Because step-cut diamonds have straight, crisp edges and corners, setting them into soft or improperly alloyed metals can lead to loosened stones, chipped girdles, or bent channel walls.
At The Vault, we cast exclusively in solid 14K and 18K BIS-hallmarked gold, as well as high-density 950 platinum.
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| METALLURGICAL ALLOY SPECIFICATIONS IN THE VAULT |
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| Alloy Type | Pure Gold Percentage | Tensile Hardness & Performance |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------------------------+
| 18K Solid Yellow Gold | 75.0% Pure Gold | 150-160 HV (Rich warmth, royal sheen) |
| 18K Nickel-Free White | 75.0% Gold + Pd/Ag | 170-190 HV (Crisp icy step reflection)|
| 18K Solid Rose Gold | 75.0% Gold + Copper | 180-200 HV (High tensile durability) |
| 14K Solid Yellow Gold | 58.5% Pure Gold | 160-180 HV (Exceptional daily wear) |
| 14K Solid White Gold | 58.5% Gold + Alloys | 200-220 HV (Maximum prong rigidity) |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+---------------------------------------+ PRONG VS CHANNEL MOUNTING PROFILES
END-CAP V-PRONG SOLID BAR MOUNTING
+-------------+ +-----------------+
| \ PRONG / | | | SOLID GOLD | |
| +-------+ | | | BAR WALL | |
| | STONE | | | +-------------+ |
| +-------+ | | | BAGUETTE 1 | |
| / PRONG \ | | +-------------+ |
+-------------+ | | BAR WALL | |
Protects Fragile Corners +-----------------+Structural Engineering Principles
- Corner Beveling and Seat Cutting: In our master workshops, our jewelers hand-cut precision seats into the gold prongs using specialized microscopic burs. The baguette sits perfectly level without point-pressure on its delicate corners.
- Under-Gallery Openings: Every baguette setting in The Vault is engineered with open under-galleries. This allows light to enter through the pavilion and provides clear access for ultrasonic and steam cleaning.
- Heavy Channel Rails: Our channel bands feature a minimum 1.2 mm solid gold rail thickness to prevent deformation over decades of daily wear.
7. Curating the High-Luxury Wardrobe: Two Houses Dialogue
True modern luxury is defined by the confident curation of contrasting textures and proportions. Pairing the razor-sharp, crystalline brilliance of a baguette solitaire ring from The Vault with the bold, sculptural metalwork of House of Silver creates a compelling aesthetic statement.
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| THE TWO HOUSES STYLING EDIT |
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| Jewelry Category | The Vault Fine Piece | House of Silver Companion Piece |
+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Hero Finger Piece | 3.00 ct Emerald Solitaire | Architectural Heavy Ribbed Silver |
| | with Tapered Baguettes | Stacking Band on Adjacent Finger |
+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Wrist Statement | Full Straight Baguette | Solid 925 Mirror-Finish Flat Torc |
| | 18K Gold Tennis Bracelet | or Ribbed Geometric Cuff |
+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Neckline Architecture | Floating Baguette Diamond | Heavy 925 Sterling Silver Curb or |
| | 18K Solid Gold Bar Choker | Paperclip Heritage Chain |
+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Earring Curation | Baguette Diamond Huggies | Sculptural Silver Fan Studs or |
| | in Solid 18K White Gold | Geometric Hollow Drops |
+-----------------------+---------------------------+-----------------------------------+The Architectural Stacking Formula
- Anchor with Pure Step Geometry: Begin with your hero three-stone tapered baguette ring from The Vault as the focal center on the ring finger.
- Add Linear Contrast: Stack a straight baguette channel band directly beneath the engagement ring for a multi-tiered step-cut symphony.
- Balance with Sculptural Silver: Wear a wide, mirror-polished 925 sterling silver cuff from House of Silver on the opposite wrist to ground the icy diamond fire with substantial, solid metal weight.
8. Baguette Cut vs Other Step Cuts: Direct Technical Comparison
To select the ideal step cut for your personal collection, compare the baguette cut against its sister step cuts: the Emerald cut and the Asscher cut.
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| STEP CUT GEMOLOGICAL COMPARISON MATRIX |
+-------------------+-------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Feature | Baguette Cut | Emerald Cut | Asscher Cut |
+-------------------+-------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Primary Outline | Narrow Rectangle | Broad Octagon | Square Octagon |
| Corner Treatment | Sharp 90 deg / Cap| Cropped 45 deg Bevels | Deep 45 deg Bevels |
| Facet Count | 14 to 24 Facets | 57 to 58 Facets | 58 to 74 Facets |
| Light Signature | Linear Flash | Broad Hall of Mirrors | Hypnotic Windmill |
| Common Use Case | Side Stones / Band| Solo Hero Solitaire | Vintage Hero Solitaire|
| Minimum Clarity | VS1+ Required | VS1+ Required | VS1+ Required |
| Modern Appeal | Minimalist Sleek | Stately Architectural | Art Deco Royal |
+-------------------+-------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+9. Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance Protocols
Because baguette diamonds feature flat, broad tables and linear step facets, oils from skin contact, cosmetics, and hand lotions will reduce their Hall of Mirrors flash faster than brilliant cuts.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance Rituals
- The Lint-Free Lens Cloth Wipe: At the end of each day, gently wipe the table of your baguette rings with a dry microfiber cloth to remove fingerprint oils and dust.
- The Weekly Warm Soak: Submerge your solid gold baguette jewelry in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild, fragrance-free dish detergent for 15 minutes.
- Soft-Bristle Detail Cleaning: Use an ultra-soft cosmetic brush or baby toothbrush to clean gently around the open under-galleries and between channel rails. Never scrub aggressively against delicate prong tips.
- Rinse and Air Dry: Rinse under lukewarm running water (ensuring the drain is securely covered) and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Bi-Annual Gemological Check: Visit a master jeweler every six months to inspect channel rail tightness and prong integrity.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a baguette cut and an emerald cut?
While both are step cuts with parallel facets, an emerald cut is a wider octagon with cropped 45-degree corners and 57 to 58 facets, designed primarily as a center stone. A baguette cut is a slender rectangle with sharp 90-degree corners and 14 to 24 facets, designed primarily as side accent stones or for eternity bands.
Are baguette cut diamonds less expensive than round diamonds?
Baguette diamonds typically command a more accessible price per carat than round brilliants due to lower cutting waste from the rough crystal. However, when calibrated into high-clarity (VS1+) matched pairs or flawless eternity suites, the skilled labor required for precision lapidary alignment elevates their prestige.
Can a baguette diamond chip easily?
Because straight and tapered baguettes have sharp 90-degree corners rather than cropped corners, their pointed tips are more vulnerable to impact if left exposed. In The Vault, all baguette settings feature protective V-prongs, solid bezel caps, or channel walls that encase the corners in solid gold.
Why is VS1 clarity strongly recommended for baguette diamonds?
Baguettes lack the chaotic optical scintillation of brilliant cuts. Their wide, open table facet acts as an unobstructed magnifying window directly into the center of the crystal. Any internal carbon inclusions or crystal graining will be instantly visible to the naked eye.
Do baguette diamonds sparkle in the dark?
Baguette diamonds do not produce pinfire sparkle; instead, they produce wide, dramatic sheets of pure white light reflection. Under direct light or evening candlelight, they flash with a sophisticated, mirror-like gleam.
What are tapered baguette diamonds best used for?
Tapered baguettes are the premier side stone choice for three-stone engagement rings. Their narrowing silhouette directs the eye inward toward the central solitaire, complementing round, emerald, oval, radiant, and cushion center diamonds.
Can I resize a full baguette eternity band?
Full eternity bands featuring straight baguettes set continuously around the perimeter cannot be resized without breaking the channel geometry. It is critical to obtain an exact finger measurement before ordering, or select a three-quarter eternity design from The Vault that includes a solid gold sizing bar.
Are lab-grown baguette diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown baguette diamonds are 100% genuine crystallized carbon with identical physical, chemical, optical, and thermal properties to mined diamonds (Mohs hardness of 10). At RareCut, all our lab diamonds are certified Type IIa by leading gemological institutes like IGI.
How do I ensure my baguette side stones match my center diamond?
Matching requires strict gemological synchronization: both the center diamond and the baguette side stones must share the same color bracket (D-F colorless) and visual transparency. At The Vault, our gemologists pair every suite by hand under color-grading light booths.
Why should I choose solid 18K or 14K gold over silver for a baguette engagement ring?
While 925 sterling silver from House of Silver (powered directly by the B2B 925 sterling silver manufacturing powerhouse of Izara Gems) is ideal for bold fashion jewelry and heirloom gifts, fine diamond engagement rings require the superior tensile strength, prong rigidity, and long-term durability of solid 14K or 18K gold from The Vault.
Command Modern Architectural Elegance
The baguette diamond is the ultimate choice for collectors who appreciate architectural purity over superficial trendiness. Its clean step facets, sharp lines, and mirror-like reflections represent an enduring commitment to timeless design.
Explore our collection of custom three-stone tapered baguette solitaires and channel-set eternity bands at The Vault, and discover sculptural silver companion jewelry at House of Silver. For bespoke lapidary inquiries and custom calibrated suites, connect with our master diamond specialists today.