Cut
Every customer looks for the maximum sparkle they can get as it’s the most dazzling factor about diamonds. Which brings us to the importance of the cut characteristic.
Cut is not only shape, it relates to the diamond proportions, symmetry and polish. The cut of a diamond can influence its clarity and even color.
Cut impacts how a diamond interacts with the light around it, and how that interaction affects the diamond's overall appearance. The basic proportions are illustrated in the below graphic of diamond anatomy.
Accordingly, graders will assess how the diamond's surfaces, or facets, are positioned to create fiery, sparkling and brilliant stone. What is the diameter of a diamond in relation to its depth; what is the length to width ratio, the table percentage and so on.
Diamond Grading Reports includes the cut grade, polish and symmetry ratings, and other grading parameters as the basic proportions. According to GIA, there are five cut grades that apply to round diamonds which are.
Skilled quality cutting of a diamond has a significant impact on how it interacts with light displaying brilliance, fire and scintillation (sparkle).
Brilliance is same as brightness, the internal and external reflections of white light.
Fire is the flashes of color in a polished diamond (rainbow colors).
Scintillation describes the contrast of light flashes and dark areas.
In a nutshell, here are helpful tips to keep in mind
- Currently, only round brilliant in the D-Z range color have a cut grade by GIA and all other shapes doesn’t have a cut grade.
- Diamond cut and diamond shape are not synonymous, despite the fact that they are commonly used interchangeably.
◦ Diamond cut evaluates a diamond's light performance and is determined by dimensions, symmetry, and polish.
◦ While diamond shape is the cutting style which is the contour of a diamond i.e., round, marquise, heart, pear etc. - To create impressive sparkle, we recommend choosing between Excellent and Very Good cut grade; as it’s not easy to distinguish between the direction of light in those specific grades as shown in the graphic illustration above.
- Based on your budget, Good cut can provide an excellent value as long as the cut is not excessively shallow or deep because even a diamond with no flaws can appear dull if it’s too shallow or deep.
- As a result, when choosing a diamond, choose the greatest cut grade you can afford.
- Shapes other than the round brilliant are called “fancy cuts”
- Round brilliants are known for their high brilliance, fire, and scintillation compare to other fancy shapes.
- A well-proportioned diamond maximize its value with excellent polish and symmetry.