Diamond Cut
Not to be mistaken with shape, your diamond cut is an important characteristic to consider when purchasing a diamond. The cut will ultimately govern how well the light is refracted; giving the diamond it's sparkle.
If you purchase a badly cut diamond then it will not refract the light as well and will not sparkle. Poorly cut diamonds will also give you a smaller spread for your selected carat weight.
Cut grades were developed by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) during the 1940's and 1950's to enable independent labs to not only evaluate clarity and colour, but to check the structure of the diamond itself. For example, a round brilliant cut diamond will have 57 or 58 facets, which are precisely cut and defined.
While these are miniature in size, they are extremely important as they govern how well the diamond is going to sparkle.
It is important to ensure you select a well-cut diamond so that you get a good sparkle. You may be able to save a lot of money on poorer cut diamonds, but ultimately you will pay with a diamond that does not sparkle and lacks lustre.
Diamond Cut Chart
Every diamond is graded on its cut quality and is given a grade, ranging from excellent to poor. The higher the cut grade, the better the fire and shine that is emitted from the diamond. Take a look at our diamond cut chart to understand each grade.
IDEAL
Excellent & Very Good Cuts
A diamond with proportions optimized for maximum light performance. Light rays enter the top of the diamond, reflect internally off the pavilion facets at precise angles, and are efficiently refracted back out through the top towards the viewer. This demonstrates excellent light return, which translates to high brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
SHALLOW
Good Cuts
A diamond with a shallow pavilion. Light rays enter the top, but many escape through the sides of the pavilion, particularly from the bottom-side facets, rather than reflecting back to the viewer. This indicates moderate light return, with some sparkle but less concentrated brilliance than an ideal cut.
DEEP
Fair Cuts
A diamond with a noticeably deep pavilion. Light rays enter the top of the diamond, but instead of reflecting back up through the top, many escape through the bottom and lower sides of the pavilion. This illustrates that a deep cut allows light to leak out, resulting in poor light return and reduced sparkle.