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Range of Diamond Clarity:
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Cut Grades:
Ideal cut:
Reflects nearly all light that enters the
diamond. An exquisite, rare diamond.
Very good cut:
Still of superior, rare quality, this
diamond reflects nearly as much light
as the ideal cut, but for a considerably
lower price.
Good cut:
Reflects most light that enters and is
often significantly less expensive than
a very good cut. An excellent value in
a well-cut diamond.
Fair cut:
A fair cut will sparkle, but will not be as
brilliant as a higher grade of cut.
Poor cut:
A lifeless-looking diamond. Poor-cut
gemstones are not recommended.
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Cut Determines Sparkle:
Cut refers to a diamond's proportions, which enhance a
diamond's ability to refract light as fire and brilliance. Many
gemologists consider cut the most important diamond
characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color
and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have only a
dull sparkle.
The proportions of a diamond determines its ability to
refract light, so these measurements are also used to
determine a cut grade. A diamond that is cut too shallow or
deep will lose light out the sides and bottom and will appear
dull, with little sparkle.
Because of this, the grade of a diamond's cut is determined
by the diamond's proportions: the height compared to the
depth, and the size of the table compared to the width.
Cut Shapes:
Polish and Symmetry Affect Sparkle:
The polish grade, which describes the smoothness of the
diamond's finish, and the symmetry grade, which refers to
alignment of the facets, are called out separately on a
diamond certificate, even though their qualities are
determined in the diamond cutting process. Poor polish will
dull a diamond's sparkle. If a diamond has poor symmetry,
it will not refract and reflect all the light that enters.
Which Cut Grade is Best?
For a diamond that earns the highest marks for its
appearance even under a microscope, look for cut grades
of ideal or very good, and polish and symmetry grades of
ideal or excellent.
For a diamond that has no visible difference when
compared with the naked eye to more expensive cuts,
choose a diamond with a cut grade of good, and polish and
symmetry grades of very good or good.
For excellent value with an ideal- or very-good cut diamond
with ideal or excellent polish and symmetry, consider less
expensive grades of color and clarity try a diamond with
G or H color and SI1SI2 clarity. |
