Cut
Cut is without question the most influential of the 4 C’s in determining the brilliance and beauty of a diamond, and as such cut plays a very large part in the value of your diamond. Cut is also the most difficult to determine when buying a diamond on-line without seeing it in person.
Many diamonds are cut to maximize weight and reduce cost, rather than being cut to insure the maximum brilliance and beauty of the diamond.
Diamond cut grades
| Ideal | Diamonds cut to Ideal proportions will usually* display a maximum amount
of brilliance and scintillation. These diamonds experience additional weight loss
during cutting required to produce the most brilliant diamond and are generally
more expensive. |
| Excellent/Premium |
An Excellent cut diamond will display very slight light loss, barely perceptible to a skilled observer. Excellent cut diamonds are still among the most beautiful and brilliant at a slight discount to Ideal cut diamonds. GIA uses the term “Excellent” to describe “Ideal Cut” diamonds while other grading Laboratories use the term “Ideal”. |
| Very Good | A diamond with a Very Good cut has a balance of weight retention and
Brilliance. Because of this you can get a diamond with very good light
return at a very good price. |
| Good | Diamonds with a Good cut represent a tremendous value. They will
experience some light loss, but will still have good sparkle and scintillation. A
great choice for the person who wants a large diamond at a great price. |
| Fair/Poor | We don’t recommend a Fair/Poor cut grade. These diamonds are
inexpensive, but they experience dramatic light leakage, resulting in a
noticeably lifeless diamond. |
*Even Ideal cut diamonds can appear lifeless compared side by side with other diamonds. Cut refers to the faceting on a diamond, not the crystal structure of the rough diamond before cutting.
Crystal structure has a dramatic affect on your finished diamonds beauty, brilliance and light return.
This is why you should never buy a diamond sight unseen.
“SHAPE” is often confused with “CUT” but they are two separate terms when referencing diamonds. Shape is a reference to the cutting style, like round, princess or marquise while cut is a reference to how well the shape is proportioned.