Brillantes

Brillantes is a term used in Spanish to describe diamonds cut in the brilliant style, most commonly referring to the round brilliant cut. In jewelry contexts, stones described as brillantes are cut to maximize light performance, producing high levels of brightness ( brilliance ), fire, and scintillation. While the round brilliant is the standard form, the term can also apply to other shapes cut in a brilliant style.

The modern round brilliant cut originated in the early 20th century, with contributions from researchers who sought to optimize light return. The cut is usually designed with about 57 or 58 facets, including the table, crown, girdle, pavilion, and sometimes a culet. The exact proportions—such as depth, table width, and facet arrangement—affect how effectively the diamond reflects and refracts light. The design emphasizes symmetry and precise angles to enhance brightness and dispersion.

Although diamonds are most commonly described as brillantes, the term can be used for other gemstones cut in a brilliant style, such as moissanite or synthetic stones. In practice, “brillante” quality is evaluated alongside other factors in the broader system of the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) to indicate overall optical performance. The usage of the term varies by market and language, but it generally signals a stone cut to maximize light return.