Shopping for a diamond can feel like a daunting task, as there are numerous factors to consider. Among these factors, the diamond cut grade holds great importance.
However, you may wonder what exactly the diamond cut entails and how it is evaluated. In this article, we will explore this vital aspect of a diamond’s quality. So, without delay, let’s delve into the world of diamond cuts.
DESIGN YOUR OWN ENGAGEMENT RING: START WITH A SETTING OR START WITH A DIAMOND. IT’S REALLY UP TO YOU!
What Is A Diamond Cut?
In simple terms, the term “diamond cut” refers to how well a gemstone is cut, polished, and proportioned. It encompasses the stone’s symmetry, depth, and overall quality. It’s important to note that diamond cut is not the same as diamond shape, such as cushion or oval shape.
The quality of the diamond cut directly influences its brilliance and overall beauty. A well-cut diamond exhibits luminosity, reflecting both white and colored light to the viewer’s eyes. On the contrary, a poorly cut diamond appears dull and lacks the brilliance and shine.
The variations in diamond cut significantly impact the stone’s beauty, visual appeal, and its value. It is considered the most crucial aspect among the diamond 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight).
It’s essential to differentiate between diamond cut and diamond shape. Diamond shape refers to the outline or figure of the stone, such as round brilliant or pear-shaped. On the other hand, the cut of the diamond describes its facets, dimensions, symmetry, and reflective qualities. For instance, a heart-shaped diamond can have varying cuts, such as deep or shallow, and exhibit different levels of brilliance.
The quality of the cut directly influences the diamond’s sparkle and brilliance. A finer cut results in greater brilliance and sparkle, enhancing the stone’s overall visual appeal.
How GIA Grades Cut Quality For Round Brilliant Diamonds
The GIA diamond cutting grades for round brilliant diamonds span from Poor to Excellent. The cut grade takes into account various factors like polish, symmetry, brilliance, and fire.
For optimal beauty and brilliance, it is advisable to consider round brilliants with an Excellent cut grade. Additionally, ensure that the polish and symmetry of the stone are either Excellent or Very Good.
Interestingly, approximately 55% of all round brilliant diamonds receive an Excellent cut grade. However, it’s important to note that around 25-30% of these diamonds are not recommended. This means that a significant portion of Excellent cut diamonds may have subpar specifications, including incorrect depth, table, or angles.
To avoid any disappointment, it is crucial to review the diamond cut grade stated on the GIA grading report and examine the stone closely yourself or seek assistance from a professional.
After all, you wouldn’t want to pay for a diamond labeled as Excellent only to discover it is actually mediocre, right?
Diamond Cut Grade Chart
Each diamond undergoes a meticulous evaluation by a GIA diamond expert to determine its cut grade. Here are the various GIA diamond cut grades:
Excellent: Diamonds with an Excellent cut grade exhibit the highest level of brilliance and fire. They reflect nearly all incoming light through the table, resulting in a captivating sparkle.
Very Good: Stones with a Very Good cut grade display exceptional brilliance and fire. A significant amount of incoming light reflects through the table, offering a brilliance similar to Excellent-grade diamonds.
Good: Diamonds with a Good cut grade provide noticeable brilliance as a substantial portion of the light reflects through the table. These stones offer an appealing appearance at a more affordable price point.
Fair: Diamonds with a Fair cut grade offer slight brilliance, as some light leakage occurs through the sides and bottom of the stone. These stones may be suitable for smaller carat sizes or when used as side stones.
Poor: Diamonds with a Poor cut grade exhibit minimal sparkle or brilliance. The majority of light entering the diamond leaks from the sides and bottom, resulting in diminished visual appeal.
Understanding the diamond cut grade allows you to make an informed decision based on the desired level of brilliance and your budget.
How Cut Grade Impacts Price
The price of a diamond cut is determined by the precision and quality of the cut, particularly its symmetry and proportion.
When a diamond’s facets are well-proportioned, they have the ability to refract and reflect light in a breathtaking manner that captivates the viewer. On the other hand, diamonds with imprecise cuts have facets that do not refract and reflect light as effectively.
Investing in a well-cut diamond is always worthwhile due to the superior amount of light return it offers. Regardless of the size of the table or carat weight, a diamond lacking brilliance and fire appears dull.
The cut quality of a diamond has the most significant impact on its beauty and overall appearance. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize spending more on the diamond’s cut rather than focusing solely on clarity or color. The higher price of a well-cut diamond is always justified and ultimately rewarding.
Factors Impacting Diamond’s Cut
The value and price of a diamond are primarily determined by its cut quality, which encompasses various factors such as proportions, facets, finish, and light reflection ability.
These elements collectively contribute to the overall quality of the diamond, with cut being the most crucial aspect among the 4Cs, even surpassing clarity and color in significance.
The following are the key factors that impact the price of a diamond:
- Proportions (table, depth, width): The proportions of a diamond, including the table percentage, width, and depth, directly influence its ability to reflect light and provide brilliance. The ideal proportions depend on the ratios between the angles, size, and shape of each facet.
- Symmetrical facets: The size, symmetry, and placement of the facets play a vital role in how well the diamond refracts and reflects light. A diamond with poorly proportioned, insufficient, or excessive facets will have subpar cut quality.
- Brilliance: Brilliance refers to the brightness of the white light reflection from the diamond. Well-cut diamonds exhibit significant brilliance, while those with asymmetry or incorrect depth can appear dull and lifeless.
- Fire: Fire is the dispersion of colored light reflected off the diamond’s table. Exceptionally well-cut diamonds not only possess brilliance but also showcase stunning fire.
- Scintillation: Scintillation refers to the flashes of sparkle observed when the diamond or light moves. It results from the interplay of dark and light areas on the diamond’s surface. Diamonds with a higher level of scintillation are generally more desirable, while those lacking it can appear lackluster.
- Finishing details: The finishing details include permanent treatment and polishing, which contribute to the diamond’s overall craftsmanship. A well-polished diamond provides clear surfaces for light reflection, while a poorly polished diamond appears dull as the facets do not reflect light effectively.
Considering these factors collectively allows for a thorough evaluation of a diamond’s cut quality and its impact on the stone’s beauty and value. Prioritizing the diamond’s cut over other factors ensures a diamond that exhibits optimal brilliance and enhances its overall appeal.
What If A Diamond Is Cut Too Deep?
If a gemstone is cut too deep, the light entering the diamond strikes the pavilion at a steeper angle. This causes the light to be reflected immediately and forced to exit through the bottom of the diamond. Consequently, the light loses its brilliance and radiance, resulting in a less vibrant appearance. Additionally, a gemstone cut too deep may appear smaller compared to diamonds with an ideal cut.
What If A Diamond Is Cut Too Shallow?
When a stone is cut too shallow, the light that enters the diamond strikes the pavilion at a lower angle. Instead of reflecting through the stone’s table and reaching the viewer’s eyes, the light travels through the diamond and exits through its sides. Although shallow-cut gems may appear larger due to their larger table size, the significant light leakage diminishes the diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.
The Diamond’s True Size – Spread
Diamond spread is a concept that is easy for buyers to understand: diamonds with greater spread give the impression of a larger stone.
Interestingly, most diamond cut grading systems do not take spread into account, even though it is the most accessible metric for evaluating the cut. While larger-looking diamonds are not necessarily more brilliant, some people find them more desirable, and often these diamonds come with a premium. Two stones can have the same carat weight, but the one with larger measurements will have a greater spread.
It’s important to note that spread is not directly linked to the diamond’s carat weight. The total depth percentage determines the spread. In general, we recommend diamonds in the Excellent cut range that have the largest measurements, as this allows you to have the best of both worlds.
While there may be a slight premium for diamonds with a larger spread, it is well worth it as you will enjoy the benefits of both brilliance and size.
Conclusion
So, what exactly does the diamond cut grade signify?
The diamond cut grade refers to the quality of how a gemstone is cut and polished, and it is assessed on a scale that ranges from Excellent to Poor.
The cut quality of a diamond directly influences its beauty, brilliance, and value. If you desire a diamond that exhibits the highest level of sparkle and brilliance, we would recommend opting for a diamond with an Excellent cut grade.
It is important to personally inspect the stone and review the grading report’s specific factors before making a purchase. By doing so, you can ensure that you are obtaining the best possible value for your money.
