An Overview of What Make A Diamond Sparkle
The quality of a Diamond Cut and polish, particularly the stone’s depth, and symmetry, determine how well the stone is proportioned. A diamond’s form may occasionally be referred to as “cut,” as in “princess cut diamond,” “radiant cut diamond,” or “emerald cut diamond,” however, diamond cuts have nothing to do with the shape of the stone. The diamond’s beauty and brightness are strongly influenced by its cut quality. A brilliant diamond reflects both white and colored light back into your eyes. Instead of being bright and sparkly, a poorly cut diamond is dull.
In reality, a diamond’s cut refers to how well its facets interact with light. A stone must be crafted with exact skills and craftsmanship in order for its dimensions, symmetry, and polish to produce the spectacular return of light seen only in diamonds. Cut variations have a significant impact on a diamond’s aesthetic appeal, beauty, and value. The cut grade is definitely one of the most important of the 4 C’s of diamonds.
Factors Affecting a Diamond’s Cut
Cut quality is the most crucial element in determining a diamond’s worth and cost. The proportions, facets, finishing details, and capacity for light reflection are only a few of the many factors that contribute to cut quality. The quality of the diamond will increase along with its price in direct proportion to how well these qualities work together. The most significant of the 4 C’s is Cut, although Color and Clarity also contribute to a diamond’s beauty.
The primary elements that influence a diamond’s price are listed below:
• Proportions (table, width, depth)
• Symmetrical diamond facets (the mirrors, windows, and steps of a diamond)
• Brilliance (brightness of white light reflection)
• Fire (dispersion of colored light)
• Scintillation (the flashes of sparkle when light moves)
• Finishing details (permanent treatment and polishing)
Diamond Cut Proportions
The proportions of a diamond’s cut have a direct impact on how well it can reflect light and provide brightness. The ratios of each diamond facet’s size, angle, and shape serve as the basis for proportions. These components interact with light differently in different combinations, which affects the diamond’s overall brilliance and enduring appeal (as well as its GIA grading). Remember that various diamond shapes have various proportions.
Shallow Diamond Cuts
The pavilion receives low-angle illumination when a diamond is cut too shallow. Instead of reflecting off the table and entering your eyes, the light enters the diamond and leaves through the sides.
Although shallow-cut diamonds, also known as “Spready Diamonds”, may appear huge based on their table size, the loss of light at the bottom greatly lowers the diamond’s brilliance, sparkle, and fire.
Deep Diamond Cuts
A pavilion is struck by light at a greater angle and quickly reflected to another pavilion when a diamond is cut too deeply. Light is compelled to withdraw and escape through the diamond’s base. As a result, light is muted, and the diamond loses some of its brilliance.
Additionally, a deeply cut diamond typically seems smaller than the ones with an ideal cut.
GIA Cut Grades
A round brilliant cut diamond will receive a GIA diamond cutting grade between Excellent and Poor. The symmetry, polish, brightness, and fire of a diamond are just a few of the variables that determine its cut grade. Only Round Brilliant cut diamonds possessing an Excellent cut should be taken into consideration if you want the most brilliance and beauty. Make sure the diamond has Excellent or Very Good symmetry and polish.
The GIA rates a good cut on 55% of all round cut diamonds, which is the truth. These “excellent” cut diamonds make up about 25 to 30 percent of the market. Numerous Excellent cut diamonds are examined by our consultants, and they discover poor specifications (depth, table, and angles).
Because of this, it’s crucial to check a diamond’s cut grade on the GIA certificate as well as examine it carefully yourself or consult a professional. You don’t want to pay a lot of money for a diamond with an excellent cut that is only average.
Diamond Cut Grade Chart
Each diamond is examined under magnification by a qualified gemologist at the GIA to ascertain its cut grade. The GIA cut grading for round diamonds is as follows:
| Excellent | The most fire and brilliance are offered by excellent cut diamonds. The table of the diamond reflects almost all of the incoming light, giving off a brilliant shine. |
| Very Good | Diamonds with a Very Good Cut have outstanding fire and brilliance. The diamond’s table reflects a sizable portion of the incoming light. Very Good cut diamonds sparkle similarly to those of Excellent grade to the unaided eye. |
| Good | With a large portion of the light bouncing through the table to the viewer’s eye, Good-cut diamonds exhibit brightness and sparkle. These diamonds offer beauty at a more affordable price. |
| Fair | Due to the light easily passing through the bottom and sides of the diamond, Fair Cut diamonds have a low brilliance. For lesser carats and side stones, diamonds with a Fair Cut may be a suitable option. |
| Poor | Poor cut diamonds provide almost little fire, brilliance, or shine. The diamond’s bottom and sides let inbound light escape. |
Difference Between Diamond shape and Diamond Cut
Diamond shapes and diamond cuts have several definitions.
The diamond’s outline or form is referred to as its shape. For instance, the terms Pear, Oval, and Round Brilliant describe how the diamond seems to be shaped.
The term “cut” describes a diamond’s facets, symmetry, size, and reflective properties. For instance, pear-shaped diamonds might have shallow or deep cuts, dull or dazzling. While the Cut may be drastically different, the Heart Shape remains the same. The diamond’s fire and brilliance increase with a finer cut.
Bottom Line
Contrary to the other “Cs” (carat weight, color, and clarity), the different cut grades used today were not developed by GIA and are not applied consistently. In actuality, only round diamonds have received cut grading from GIA since 2005.
Be wary of jewelers that substitute their own cut grades for those that the GIA has officially awarded to a specific diamond. Many well-known websites and retail establishments substitute their own, more forgiving Cut rating for the GIA grade.
If you are looking for the best deals on diamond jewelry then contact The Diamond Exchange today.
