Diamond Education: Diamond Cut

The 4Cs of diamonds are the basics you should know when you decide to buy a diamond. The 4Cs stand for Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Let's understand Cut, first.

Why Is Diamond Cut the Most Important?
Cut is the most important of the 4Cs because the way a diamond is cut determines how much it will sparkle. And, isn't the sparkle and brilliance the most important thing about a diamond?

What Is Diamond Cut?
What exactly is diamond cut. The cut refers to the way facets or polished flat surfaces have been cut on the diamond. When light enters a diamond, it refracts and reflects on these facet. An expertly-cut diamond will refract and reflect the most light due to the way these facets have been cut on the diamond. So, better cut equals better sparkle. And this is why cut is the most important factor of diamonds.

Is Diamond Cut the Same As the Shape?

There's often some confusion between cut and shape. Cut is not the shape of the diamond. Diamonds shapes such as the round or emerald are often called as the round brilliant cut or the emerald cut but that's just a turn of phrase.

What Are Diamond Grades?

Like the other 4Cs, diamond cut is given a grade. Independent gemological labs such as the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the AGS (American Gem Society) grade diamonds without any bias. There are many gemological labs that diamond vendors use but the GIA, AGS and HRD are widely recognized and the most reputable. You should choose diamonds certified by these authorities to know what you're getting. Also, it becomes easy to compare engagement rings across retailers when they are graded by either the GIA, AGS or HRD.

What Is the Grade Chart?

The GIA grade scale goes from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair to Poor. While the AGS grades on a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being the best possible grade. These grades are assigned on the basis of the proportions, facet pattern and other factors.

Round Brilliant Diamond

A round brilliant diamond has 57 to 58 facets or polished surfaces. The angles and proportions at which these facets are cut can predict how a diamond will sparkle.

Cut Advice

Always choose the best possible cut grade that your budget allows. You can play around the grades of rest of the 4Cs. But, never compromise on the cut.