Diamond Cut
The diamond cut is the biggest factor in creating sparkle, therefore the most important element to consider. A diamond that is poorly cut can look smaller than it actually is. To maximize your budget, choose the highest diamond cut grade your budget allows.
Excellent cut
(Ideal cut)
Represents the top 3% of diamond cut quality. It reflects most light that enters the diamond.
Very good
(Fine cut)
Represents the top 15% of diamond cut quality. It reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.
Good cut
(Shallow cut)
Represents the top 25% of diamond cut quality. It reflects most light that enters, but not as much as a Very Good cut grade.
Fair cut
(Deep cut)
Represents the top 35% of diamond cut quality. These diamonds tend to appear dull or glassy.
Buying tips:
- Cut is the most important of the 4Cs because it has the greatest influence on a diamond’s sparkle.
- Even if a diamond has a perfect clarity and color grade, if it has a poor cut, it may appear dull.
- When diamond cuts are made with the proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond (which gemologists refer to as the table). If the cuts are too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom; too deep and it escapes out of the side.
- To maximize your budget, choose the highest diamond cut grade your budget allows. We suggest a cut grade of Very Good or better.