The Intricate Art of Understanding Diamond Cut

Diamonds are popular as one of the world’s hardest substances and also for being some of the most expensive gems. Their beauty and sparkle are unmatched and that is the reason behind people’s fascination for them. The reason behind their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely is interconnected with how well a diamond is cut. 

The exact way a diamond's facets interact with light is determined by its cut. We often get to hear about the different types of cuts on a diamond, like round, heart, oval, pear, marquise, cushion, princess, radiant, emerald and Asscher. One would wonder why there are so many cuts of diamonds. Well, one of many answers to that question is that different types of cuts look different but most importantly, they transmit light differently as well.

Table of Contents:

• How do Gemologists Grade a Diamond’s Cut?
• How Do You Choose the Best Diamond Cuts?
• What are the Factors That Affect a Diamond’s Cut?

A high amount of artistry and workmanship is required to cut a stone into the desired shape. A very well-cut diamond with perfect proportions, symmetry and polish gives off a magnificent return of light. The ultimate beauty and worth of a diamond are determined by its cut. The cut of a diamond is the most intricate and challenging to examine out of all the 4 C’s of a diamond. There are different proportions and facets that every diamond cut adheres to. These proportions allow diamond-grading institutions to evaluate and rate a diamond. 

When a diamond is assessed based on its cut, various factors related to how the diamond is shaped and crafted are considered. This includes looking at the diamond’s size compared to its width, how thick the outer edge (girdle) is for durability, how well the facets are arranged symmetrically, and the quality of the polish on those facets.

How do Gemologists Grade a Diamond’s Cut?

A knowledgeable gem expert at trustworthy diamond-grading institutions assesses each diamond under magnification to understand the cut grade. Diamond-grading institutions like the GIA and IGI contain five grading ranges. So, let’s learn about all the ranges that make the cut of a diamond so important. 

These cut grades were introduced by the GIA in 2005 after more than 15 years of research and testing.

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• Excellent

Excellent cut diamonds are those that exhibit exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation. They reflect most of the light that enters and result in a dazzling appearance.

• Very Good

Diamonds that have a grade of Very Good still offer high quality because of their good light performance. While these diamonds are not as exceptional as Excellent, they are often looked upon as good value for money.

• Good

Diamonds with good cut grades show a satisfactory level of brilliance, but not as much as higher levels of grades. They possess a good balance between quality and affordability.

• Fair

Fair cut grade diamonds may have noticeable shortcomings in terms of brilliance and sparkle. They are generally considered acceptable but are also sometimes seen as not being so visually impressive.

• Poor

Diamonds that are graded with a poor cut grade lack the optimal proportions for reflecting light, resulting in diminished brilliance. These diamonds may appear dull and are typically not recommended for purchase.

How Do You Choose the Best Diamond Cuts?

When it comes to the four C’s of diamonds—clarity, colour, carat, and cut—there is a sweet spot where customers can find the perfect balance between value and beauty. When it comes to clarity, customers usually find a point between VS1-VS2 diamonds where any increase in grade won’t affect the beauty of the diamond. To one’s naked eye, there will not be any difference between a VS1 or a VS2 diamond; both of them will likely appear flawless and clean.

But when it comes to cuts, it’s the one area where customers would not want to compromise. While a middle ground can be found between clarity and colour (low-carat diamonds can still exude an extremely radiant appearance), a low-cut grade diamond won’t dazzle as much as it should.

This is the reason why it is recommended that you limit your search to only Excellent or Ideal cut grades because the below-graded diamonds will show imperfections. Even though people have limitations on budget, they can sacrifice in other areas like clarity and colour as a well-cut diamond still has the potential to make the entire stone stand out.

What are the Factors That Affect a Diamond’s Cut?

Since cut is the most important factor that determines the quality and price of a diamond, many elements are involved in the cutting process. Elements such as facets, proportions, facts, the ability to reflect light, etc. The quality of the diamond will be higher if these characters are better.

There are three important characteristics that a diamond should exhibit when interacting with light. They are:

• Brightness: It refers to the internal and external light that gets reflected from a diamond.
• Fire: Fire refers to when white light disperses into all seven rainbow colours.
• Scintillation: This means the amount of sparkle a diamond produces. It also means the arrangement of bright and shadowy regions that result from a diamond’s internal reflections.
• Proportions: This refers to the table, width, and depth of a diamond and is the universal indicator of a diamond’s cut quality.

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Hence, as we explored the five cut grades established by the gem-grading institutions, it became evident that the cut of a diamond is not just a visual feast but also determines its value. A well-cut diamond sparkles and tells the story of precision, symmetry, and radiance. 

This story can be told by our expert gemologists, who can help you select a lab diamond that is of the ideal cut for all your lab diamond jewelry needs. So, whether you’re planning to flaunt your diamonds on a beach under the sun or during a romantic dinner under the stars, let them reflect their well-cut facets!