Cut has two meanings in relationship to diamonds. The first relates to the specific quality of cut within the shape whereby the quality and hence the price will vary greatly based on the cut quality. You can read more about the art of diamond cutting and the ideal diamond proportions on the internet. Cut can also refer to the shape of the diamond; round, princess, oval, pear, emerald, radiant, cushion, Assher, etc. See the section entitled Shape or Cut.
Diamond cutting & polishing is the art, skill and science of transforming a rough diamond into a polished diamond with fire and brilliance. The Cut value is a way to quantify or measure of the workmanship or the diamond polisher. The way a stone is cut, angles and uniformity, enhances sparkle and brilliance of a diamond. The best cut rating, ideal, is rare but attainable.
- Ideal
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
The cut is the most important element to control brilliance, scintillation and fire. The sparkling quality of the cut is to be determined by 3 separate factors:
1. Proportions
2. Polish
3. Symmetry
1. Proportions
Too shallow and / or too deep cut diamonds will lose brilliance through the side and bottom.
The result is a dull diamond with less brilliance, affecting the ultimate value in terms of quality and price!
2. Polish
Finish grade or polish for ideal cut diamonds are described as following: All facets of a diamond are carefully polished to eliminate all imperfections, characteristics such as abrasions, scratches, nicks and polishing marks on the surface of the diamond to give the mirror shine and the final beauty touch. Polish grading: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor or Unusual
3. Symmetry
The symmetry grading for a diamond is the balance and regularity/evenness of the facets. All the facets are compared in opposing pairs, graded as the following: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor or Unusual
Ideal cut = Perfect cut = Triple Excellent + Hearts & Arrows = Best Value!
When Proportions, Polish, Symmetry are all graded Excellent