Diamond Cut

When referring to the cut of a diamond we are referring to the diamond’s proportions. The cut is one of the most significant aspects to take into account when purchasing diamonds. The cut refers to the level of quality of the diamond’s dimensions, finish, and light performance. A well-cut diamond will reflect brilliance and fire which is the key reason why the cut is considered the most important characteristic of a diamond.

An ideally-proportioned diamond will permit all of the light entering into the diamond to bounce within the diamond to be returned back through the top. This is what gives the diamond its brilliance (sparkle) and fire.

The diamond contains 3 levels:

1. The top level – the crown
2. The middle – the girdle
3. The bottom level – the pavilion

Diamonds which are cut either too deeply or too shallow can suffer a loss of light through the sides and pavilion which will cause them to be less brilliant- and ultimately be of lower value.

The angle and depth of the diamond’s pavilion angle must be perfect in order to capture the light and throw it back through the crown to the viewer. A pavilion angle that has been cut too shallow or too deep will enable light to escape and therefore the maximum light will not be returned through the top of the diamond.

Comparing Shallow, Ideal and Deep Cuts

Diamond Symmetry

When the facets of the diamond are well balanced and aligned correctly then the diamond possesses symmetry. This symmetry is essential to creating optimal brilliance and scintillation. The symmetry can be ruined if the facets are not aligned correctly or incorrectly formed. This can cause an off-center table which is the flat top part of the diamond.

Diamond Polish

Polishing can leave scratches and marks on the diamond; however, obviously it is essential to polish a diamond after it has been cut.  A high standard of polish is when the polish does not cause scratches or marks, or if it does they are only very minor. Scratches and burn marks can cause the diamond to lose some of its value.

Ideal Cut Diamonds Round

In order to produce an ideal-cut diamond there are 3 related factors to take into consideration:

1. table size
2. crown angle
3. pavilion depth

The cutter must follow “blueprints” to make sure that these elements are in complete proportion to one another. Nevertheless, diamonds with proportions outside these standards can still show brilliance and even if the diamond has totally perfect proportions this will not automatically produce a diamond of the finest quality.

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