What is a Diamond Cut?
Diamond cut refers to the ability of a diamond faceting structure to refract light in producing brilliance and fire up through to the table and crown.
Precise workmanship will be required to ensure that a diamond is trimmed to maximise its brilliance and fire. The diamond cut is part of diamond 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat), and it plays a crucial role in a diamond’s overall appearance and value. In simple words, the better the diamond cut is, the higher the quality of the diamond will be.
Diamond Cut Characteristics
Diamond Brilliance
Brilliance is the white light that is reflected from a diamond when light hits the diamond surface.
Diamonds with excellent brilliance will appear very bright while those lacking in brilliance will appear dull. The physical facets within the diamond are responsible for reflecting the light and it is highly affected by the angle and tilt.
The more facets are available in the diamond, the more opportunity for light to reflect. It is listed as an important factor to consider when it comes to the cut of the diamond.
Diamond Fire
Fire is the colourful flashes that are visible when light hits a diamond and disperses it into a spectrum of different colours.
The diamond cut determines how exactly the light that enters the stone will be broken into it and reflected back to us. The depth of a diamond is as crucial for the adequate dispersion of light as well as the reflection of white light.
Diamond fire is such a clear indicator of a diamond’s cut quality that it has been listed by GIA as one of seven key components to rate the quality of its cut.
Diamond Scintillation
Scintillation is a flash of light produced in a transparent material by the passage of a particle. This is often seen as the sparkle the diamond produces when light shines on it.
When you move the diamond in light, it will split the white light into different spectrums of colours that bounce off along the surface of the diamond. This is the sparkle that we often see on diamonds.
What are Diamond Cut Grades?
A diamond cut grade is a standardized assessment of a diamond’s proportions and craftsmanship, specifically evaluating how well the diamond has been cut, polished, and finished. This grade is important as it directly impacts the diamond’s ability to reflect light for its overall brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
The main components used to determine a diamond cut grading include depth percentage, table percentage, polish grade, symmetry grade, pavilion angles, crown angles and girdle thickness.
The Components to Determine a Diamond Cut Grade
| Component | Description |
| Total Depth Percentage | This measures the height of the diamond (from the culet to the table) relative to its overall width. It is crucial for the diamond’s ability to reflect light efficiently. A depth percentage that’s too high or too low can lead to light leakage and diminish the diamond’s sparkle. |
| Table Percentage | Refers to the size of the top flat facet (the table) compared to the diamond’s overall width. The table percentage plays a significant role in light reflection. A well proportioned table will help in creating ample brilliance and fire. |
| Polish Grade | This evaluates how smoothly the diamond has been polished. A high polish grade means the surfaces are smooth, allowing more light to enter and exit the diamond, enhancing its sparkle. |
| Symmetry Grade | This assesses how symmetrically the diamond’s facets are aligned. Better symmetry means that light can travel through the diamond more effectively. |
| Pavilion Angles | These angles are at the bottom of the diamond and are crucial for light reflection. Correct pavilion angles ensure that light entering the diamond is reflected back through the top. |
| Crown Angles | These are the angles of the facets that form the diamond’s crown (top part). They affect how light is dispersed and reflected. Proper crown angles enhance the diamond’s fire and scintillation. |
| Girdle Thickness | The girdle is the diamond’s widest edge, where the crown and pavilion meet. Its thickness can impact the diamond’s durability and how light passes through the stone. A girdle that’s too thin can be prone to chipping, while one that’s too thick may reduce the diamond’s brilliance. |
How Diamond Cut Grades are Categorised?
The common cut grading system set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) ranges from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.
At Michael Trio, we categorise our diamonds into four special grades to simplify the selection process for our customers. Our diamonds are categorised as Good, Very Good, Ideal, and Pure Hearts™ (our premium cut grade). These grades reflect both quality and price differences. Our Pure Hearts™ diamonds are certified by GIA for their ultimate precision in cutting, maximum sparkle & brilliance, and they stand among the top 0.01% of diamonds in the world.
How to Choose The Best Diamond Cut?
Consider your budget: Decide on the budget for the diamond purchase and select a cut that balances quality and affordability, as certain cuts may be more expensive than others.
Consider the diamond shape: Each diamond shape interacts with light differently, which will affect its overall brilliance, fire, and scintillation. For instance, round brilliant diamonds, with their symmetrical facets, reflect light exceptionally well, resulting in a high level of brilliance and sparkle. On the other hand, Emerald and Asscher-cut diamonds, featuring step-cut facets, emphasize more on clarity over brilliance.
Seek expert guidance: This is an important step as it ensures that you make an informed decision tailored to your specific preferences and financial considerations. At Michael Trio, we can offer valuable insights and recommendations to assist you throughout the selection process and help you find the perfect diamond cut that meets your criteria.
Overall Why Cut Matters?
The cut of a diamond significantly impacts its value. A well cut diamond will fetch a higher price due to its superior brilliance and overall beauty. In contrast, a poorly cut diamond may appear dull which will diminish its value in the eyes of potential buyers.
By understanding diamond cut grades, an individual can make an informed decision when selecting a diamond that delivers the desired level of brilliance and beauty.
Select The Best Diamond With Michael Trio
Choosing the best diamond cut is essential for maximising the beauty and value of your diamond. At Michael Trio, we specialise in selecting or crafting diamonds with the best cuts to ensure they exhibit exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation. Visit our website to view our collection of quality diamonds.