Diamond Cut

Diamond Cut

Diamond Cut.  Please make special note that “cut should not be confused with Shape the diamond might be.  Cut refers to how cleanly and brilliantly a diamond may sparkle and twinkle back at you.  I think you can imagine at this point that in choosing a diamond it is extremely important to the first impression of you future fiancee that the diamond’s cut  (brilliance) be as jaw dropping as possible.

To give you a visual idea of what I am referring to see the figure below.  View the differences how subtle cut variations can affect the twinkle and sparkle (formally known as Fire).

The contrary happens in a poorly cut diamond.  It seems to lack sparkle and life.  The proportions in a poorly cut diamond do not allow for light to be reflected around the factes and back at the viewer. Hence the illusion that it is not alive with sparkle the way an ideal cut diamond might seem.  It can really be mezmerizing!

Diamond Cut can be a very decisive factor in weighing the various variables. A loose diamond that has an ideal cut can get you to look past other possible imperfections that it may have.  After all you would not be able to see most diamond imperfections unless you really got close and peered in. However the brilliance of a perfectly cut diamond can be seen from a couple of feet away!

Diamond Cutting is an art, science, and skill. You must be trained and well experienced to cut diamonds worthy of the diamond cut grades.  Most jewelers and cutters will agree that an ideal cut diamond follows a set dimensional rules and formulae; essentially an ideal diamond cut guide. Any other cut is an inferior variation in angles and proportions that can be due to the actual raw diamond or possibly the cutter.

Diamond Cut Grading has been defined by (Gemologist Institute Of America (GIA), who originally created the Diamond Grading System,  and American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL or AGS).  GIA’s diamond cutting scale is based on 3 criteria:

• Face Up Appearance:  Brightness, Fire, and Scintillation
• Design:  Weight Ratio, Durability
• Craftsmanship:  Polish and Symmetry

AGS Diamond Cutting Criteria are the following:

• Light Appearance:  Brightness, Dispersion, Leakage, and Contrast
• Proportion Factors:  Girdle, Culet Size, Spread, Durability, Tilt
• Finish:  Polish and Symmetry

Let’s start to put diamond cutting and a GIA diamond cut into perspective that is practical for you.  That being said it would take an experienced eye to discern between the top three of five diamond cuts grades.  Those  diamond grades are as follows from best to least:

1. Ideal*
2. Premium
3. Very Good
4. Good
5. Poor

*Only applies to round diamonds.

Now you may be wondering how should you weigh your options and whether or not it may be worth while to choose Ideal or just go with Good diamond cuts.  Let’s delve a little deeper to help you make an educated purchase.  Besides the difference between ideal and premium can mean thousands of dollar difference.

Ideal Cut is just that. Perfect Cut Diamond. Since the shape of the diamond that best reflects light when it has a perfect cut is round then this grade is reserved for round diamonds.  Most gemologists believe in a formula to cut ideal diamonds. Anything less would be uncivilized…  The person who would buy this kind of diamond is one would needs to have the best of the best and wouldn’t have a diamond cut any other way.

Premium Cut is only slightly lower in cut grade but it shares many almost equal in cuts and practically the same brilliance.  Buying this kind of diamond is like buying an ideal cut with a discount as the difference is practically unrecognizable. You also would be buying the some of the finest that life offers as diamond cuts is concerned.

Very Good Cut diamonds reflect most of the light that flows in offering a great deal of brilliance as well.  Often times the cutters make the judgment call to keep the diamond a little heavier and larger by not making several more cuts. Therefore he is sacrificing brilliance for size and weight. This is an option that should be on at the back of your mind at the moment of choosing the one that is right for you.

Good Cut diamonds have slightly less cuts that the very good cut diamonds and thus reflect a little less light.  These are still very attractive diamonds, just not the creme de la creme, most expensive ones you can buy. These can be a great bargain.

Poor Cut diamonds reflect the least amount of light and thus have the least brilliance.  They still have some sparkle and definitely would be the least expensive. A great buy for someone on a budget and allows you to invest in something a little larger for less price.

…Back to 6 C’s

Diamond Cost; Diamond Clarity; Diamond Color; Diamond Carat; Certified Diamond

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