In the highly competitive gem and jewelry market, communicating diamond quality based on a unified global standard is crucial. While many may still be familiar with the term "Belgium Diamonds," the industry has now advanced to a scientifically measurable standard: "3EX Diamonds," or 3 Excellent.
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), as a central organization committed to elevating the Thai industry on the global stage, presents this essential knowledge to foster transparency and build confidence among both traders and consumers.
The term "Belgium Diamonds" or "Belgian Cut" originated when Belgium was the world's largest diamond trading center, making the country's name synonymous with high-quality diamonds. However, for an accurate understanding today, we must consider the following facts:
Origin vs. Trading Center: Belgium is a wholesale diamond market, not a mining source. Today, the world's main diamond mines are in Africa, Russia, Canada, and Australia.
Cutting Centers: Over 90% of the diamonds on the global market are cut in India, the modern hub for cutting skills and technology.
Therefore, using a country's name to reference quality no longer reflects the true standard. The jewelry industry now focuses on Cut Quality, which can be measured and certified by international institutions.
A "3EX Diamond" certification signifies the highest level of cut quality for round brilliant diamonds, as graded by leading global gemological institutes like the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). This grade indicates that the diamond is perfectly crafted in three key dimensions, which directly impact its beauty and sparkle.
1. Cut (Proportions): The Heart of a Diamond's Sparkle
What it is: An assessment of the diamond's overall proportions, including its depth, table percentage, and various angles.
Why it matters: Perfect proportions allow the diamond to take in light and reflect it back fully, creating the bright Brilliance we see.
2. Symmetry (Precision of Facet Arrangement)
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What it is: An assessment of the precision and balance of the facet arrangement.
Why it matters: Excellent symmetry allows light to be reflected orderly within the diamond, creating Fire (rainbow flashes) and Scintillation (sparkle with movement). It also ensures the diamond has a beautiful, precise shape, free from distortion.
3. Polish (Surface Finish): The Perfection of the Surface
What it is: An assessment of the diamond's surface quality, checking if it is smooth and free from any marks or blemishes from the polishing process.
Why it matters: A smooth, mirror-like surface allows light to travel through without being refracted or diminished, making the diamond appear transparent and supremely brilliant.
Among the 4Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut), "Cut" is the only factor determined by human craftsmanship, and it is the key that unlocks a diamond's true beauty.
Adds Value: A 3EX diamond is visibly more brilliant, giving it a higher value and making it more desirable in the market.
A Verifiable Standard: The 3EX grade is clearly stated on the Diamond Certificate (Grading Report), allowing buyers to verify and be confident in the quality.
Builds Credibility: For traders, presenting 3EX diamonds along with accurate information builds trust and demonstrates international-level professionalism.
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) is committed to being a Knowledge Hub, empowering Thai entrepreneurs to compete sustainably in the global market. Understanding and correctly communicating the 3EX diamond standard is a key element in strengthening Thailand's image as a reliable, high-quality Jewelry Hub.
We encourage all members and traders to apply this knowledge in their business operations to build customer confidence and elevate the industry's standards as a whole.
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