Picture taken in white diffuse hemisphere lighting emphasizing the diamonds symmetry.

I'm tellin you ... we're living in exciting times.  With the advent of light measuring technologies and deeper research into the art of optical design in gemstones (particularly diamonds), we are proud to introduce one of the first, second-generation super ideal cuts. The Eighternity Diamond. You will want to read through this tutorial as this new cut teaches us some awesome and interesting things regarding light behavior in diamonds, too.

The Facet Structure of the Eighternity

Let's begin with a look at the components that differentiate this from standard rounds (including H&A rounds).  The first notable difference is the amount of facets to which the Eighternity is cut.  There are 81 facets total on the Eighternity while there are 57 on a round brilliant (or 58 if there is a culet facet).  On the crown of a round brilliant cut there are

Ok... so... 81 facets!  To be frank ... that fact in and of itself does not impress me. :)  Over the course of the past few years I've had the opportunity to view many modified rounds with more facets than the standard round brilliant.  So what makes the Eighternity so special?  One thing in particular is that we have a modified round that does not sacrifice *diameter* to attain the more facets.  Many modified rounds on the market do and are cut deep.  The result is a diamond that looks noticably smaller for its weight.  Not so with the Eighternity.

A cursory review of the Eighternity's we have posted reveals total depths ranging from 60-62% (most falling in between) which means that a 1 ct. Eighternity looks exactly what the size of a 1 ct. round diamond should look like.  In the following paragraphs we'll be discussing more of these differences.

The Proportions of an Eighternity

If any of you have studied which proportions have the most cherry optics, you know it is our rounds that have crown angles in the mid 34.x degree zone, pavilion angles in the 40.7-41 degree zone combined with tables in the mid 50's.  For starters, in each Eighternity we have proportions here that are nothing short of SCHWEET and when measured on a Sarin or OGI device the diamonds measure to AGS ideal proportions.  I would add, since AGS changed their cut grading system in 2006 to more accurately reflect the diamond's optics, nobody will be disappointed with the Eighternity's results from any of the major labs because of the reported optical results.  We'll take a very close look at the optical properties of the Eighternity in a moment, but let's end this paragraph saying that just about every Eighternity we've inspected so far has had the most cherry sets of proportions possible within a round brilliant cutting them to angles that flatter light return within the diamond.

The Lab Reports for Eighternity

The factory cutting Eighternity diamonds have chosen the GIA as the lab of choice for the grading of these diamonds due to the conservative nature of GIA's grading system. You can review as many GIA's as you like but you'll consistently find that Eighternity's score great with regards to the cut grading that GIA grades (ie. polish & symmetry).  The worst we've found so far is GIA "very good" for polish & symmetry and the best as been "excellent". Here is the GIA Report of an Eighternity. Note the plot showing the facet structure too.

The Optical Design of the Eighternity

Ok... time to lift up the hood and check out the engine.  What makes the Eighternity tick? Now ... don't get me wrong. Our H&A rounds are some of the finest and most beautiful diamonds in the world but the ingenuity and optical design behind the Eighternity is sheer genius. In the face up position there is a very different yet distinct arrows pattern.  Face down there is an optical design but no hearts.  Therefore the diamond is not considered a "Hearts & Arrows" diamond, however it's face up view is either on par with or superior to the majority of H&A diamonds on the market.  A cursory review of each Eighternity shows a picture perfect arrows pattern WITH NO COMPROMISE whatsoever in optical symmetry.  All facets are evenly spaced, beautifully aligned and fits the criteria of "super ideal" with no problems whatsoever. The two most important factors about the Eighternity and it's value as a diamond is its optical symmetry and its light return and the fact that they can cut this consistently diamond after diamond.

Our LightScope technology is like an X-Ray machine for diamonds and shows us incredible details pertaining to the optical properties within diamond.  One of the discoveries we have made using this technology relates to the blacks and the fact that these portions within the diamond are directing light straight up through the crown at the high angles. It is light that exits the diamonds at those angles that are the strongest and most intense to the eyes of the viewer. 

The arrows or pavilion mains (black in LightScope) are a source for strong fire within a diamond. Note the bits of black between the arrow heads.  Those are other areas within the diamond that are directing light at high angles (same as the arrows).  We have found that if it's possible to produce more of these "hot spots" within the diamond along with more dark reds, there is a dramatic increase in the diamonds scintillation and total brilliance in direct light conditions. When analyzing BrillianceScope results we do not look at the bar graph alone but also the individual images. The Hearts and Arrows on the left is more sedate in views 4 & 5 while the Hearts and Arrows on the right shows greater activity in all light positions.

Now ... considering the role that dark reds and blacks play in the optical performance of the diamond the Eighternity has confirmed for us something we knew all along but has reaffirmed to our *eyes* how we have always interpreted the blacks to be under red reflector technologies in direct light conditions.  Take a peek at the amount of blacks (hot spots) in an Eighternity!!!  What is awesome about the Eighternity's optical signature is they have taken the round brilliant cut and have redesigned it's optical signature such that it produces an entirely different looking diamond that maintains awesome precision, a completely different optical design but with results that are guaranteed to please the eyes of the observer.

A study of the images shows incredible activity from start to finish.  For the longest time we've never seen a diamond that can hold a candle to our rarest H&A's.  In the Eighternity, we have not only found that product but one that is a notably different looking product as well. 

The rarest diamonds in the world score 2/3 or 3/3 very highs on the BrillianceScope. Our exam of the Eighternity shows amazing optical performance on each and every stone cut by the factory.  THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS as most H&A factories cutting diamonds generally only get 1/3 very highs, sometimes 2/3 and very rarely 3/3.  Just about every Eighternity we've tested to date scores at the very least 2/3 with most getting 3/3.  So if you are seeking a round brilliant cut that possesses some of the rarest optics you'll find in a diamond you may indeed want to consider the Eighternity.

Finally the answer to a question that has been bugging me for the longest time has finally been answered.  Do more facets equal more sparkle? YES but only when those extra facets cause more light to hit the viewers face. In the Eighternity there is more shards of light being directed in the viewers face and whether more scintillation is your preference or not ... after viewing an Eighternity you will not be able to deny their superior scintillation and overall brilliance.

The Eighternity and Contrast Brilliance

For a more lengthy discussion on the subject of contrast brilliance please read our link here.  In a nutshell ... contrast brilliance addresses the appearance of the diamond in suffuse/diffuse light conditions.  In these light conditions we should be observing facets reflecting back white diffuse light and also facets that will reflect back shadows or colors of the object in front of it.  In essence we're observing lights and darks. The brightest and most brilliant diamonds have the best balance of these light/darks.  Two features diminish brilliance in these light conditions.  Those 2 features are light leakage (caused by angles being too steep/deep), the other feature that can diminish brilliance in these conditions is if the balance of light/darks is offset by too many darks and not enough lights (generally caused by angles being too shallow).  Since the darks are caused by head obstruction, too much of that is not good either and makes the diamond appear too dark in those light conditions.  We test all our diamonds for optical appearance in suffuse light conditions and there are two technologies we use to determine this.  One is observing the diamond in white hemisphere lighting and comparing the lights and darks (like the 1st picture on this webpage) and the other is with the Isee2 technology.

On a scale that runs from 0.0 - 9.8 (although advertised to 10) the Eighternity diamonds consistently score in the mid 8's to low 9's which happen to be fantastic results (similar to many other very well known brands). This also does not take into account the external reflections off of facet surfaces which actually adds to the brightness & scintillation of the Eighternity as well. 

Pricing and the Eighternity

Perhaps one of the best features of this diamond is it's value for the money.  As a modified round with some of the rarest optics you can get into an Eighternity diamond for the price (or less) than what you'll pay for a standard round in most stores throughout the country. In towns across the country where certain H&A brands are carried, clients are shown Eighternity diamonds as a comparison and when they are able to compare the differences (including the financial ones as well), the Eighternity has been winning the hearts and minds of many diamond shoppers.  As compared to Internet prices they are more but when you see what you're getting as compared to most of the crap being offered on the web it really makes this a no brainer.  A sacrifice in a clarity and/or color grade (something not detectable with the human eyes) will put you into a diamond that will be among the most beautiful your potential fiancé will ever lay eyes on.  Is it worth it?  One look with your own eyes will answer this question easily.

Here are some pictures of it next to one of our top of the line H&A rounds. In each picture the Eighternity is on the left.

 Here is both in white hemisphere lighting.

Side by side in diffuse white light.

Here are both stones side by side, at an angle under diffuse light at a little distance.

In summary ... the Eighternity is perhaps one of the most exciting new 2nd generation super ideal cut diamonds to hit the market and have optical results on par with the rarest and most beautiful diamonds while maintaining a distinctly different appearance.  It has excellent brightness in diffuse light conditions, it has some of the most insane fire & scintillation in direct light conditions and in ambient light it just lights up like a Christmas tree. With many brands displaying inconsistent appearances in various light conditions the Eighternity is a much welcomed addition to our line of diamonds and we are proud to present to you one of the most beautiful diamonds you or your potential fiancé will ever see in this lifetime.

Eighternity FAQ's

Q. I see many H&A diamonds on your website that also score triple VH's on the BrillianceScope.  What makes the Eighternity so different?

A. The answer lies in the way that the Eighternity actually reflects light back to the eye.  You see ... 2 diamonds can have light output that appears equal on a linear scale yet appear quite different when viewing them with the eyes due to the facet structure and the way that light is being displayed back to the eyes.  Eighternity has taken super ideal cuts to a new level not by just cutting another super ideal cut diamond but by changing the optical design of the diamond itself.  A good way to demonstrate this difference (short of seeing and comparing the diamonds live) is to view them virtually side by side.

Here are 2 virtual models you can download and open side by side. You'll need the free Gem Advisor software at this link. Download and install the software.  Open the program and play with the included file to get familiar with all the buttons and features.  Then click on each of these models and open both of them side by side.  Put them in "disco lighting" (or another light condition) and hit the green play button.  Before your eyes will be 2 very beautiful diamonds with very rare optics however both show different appearances as they rock before your eyes.

Included in every "Eighternity" diamond:

Special Arrows Viewer:

Special folder that includes Lab report (GIA) and a GemEx report:

Not finding what you are looking for? We have many diamonds available to us through our suppliers. Our staff would be happy to assist you in your search for the perfect diamond. You can start by searching through our Diamond Search. We look forward to serving you!