In order to measure the quality of a diamond, diamond experts are usually using the well-known “four Cs” concept. The diamond cut is obviously one of these Cs and it has a significant impact on the quality and price of diamonds.
The vast majority of diamond certificates come with a diamond cut rating. So, if two diamonds that have the same color, clarity and carat weight, have different cuts, the one with a superior cut rating will come at a higher price.
It is worth mentioning that the rest of the Cs are easy to understand and even a beginner in this field will figure out how they work after a short period.
On the other hand, the diamond cut is a more complex topic.
There are different techniques used for evaluating the diamond’s cut grade and many of the diamond certificates are not providing details about the diamond’s cut grade.
In case you are planning on purchasing a diamond, it is a smart idea to take some time and learn more about the meaning of different types of diamond cuts, how they are identified and how they affect the price of the diamond. In this way, you will get a chance to make a better decision and make sure that you are not paying more than you will get.
Diamond cut explained
To put it simply, a diamond cut is a term that is used to describe the light performance of any diamond. This means that different grades explain the level to which a specific diamond keeps and reflects the light that goes through it.
Generally speaking, diamonds with good cuts provide stunning reflections and possess a high amount of sparkle. Diamonds that simply redirect the light all the way to the bottom or one side are probably but very deep or shallow. That’s why they have lower cut ratings.
Due to the fact that it is generally accepted that the above mentioned brilliance or sparkles provide the unique nature and beauty to the diamonds, it is quite natural to presume that the diamond cut is what makes some diamonds special.
Keep in mind that when we say cut, we mean the actual cut, not the shape.
In case you’ve been searching for the best diamond, you have probably seen some terms like an emerald cut, Asscher cut, Princess cut etc. These are not actual cuts. These terms represent the shape of the diamond and they have nothing to do with the cut grade.
Grades of diamond cut
Before we go into details, let us say that there is no official system for grades of diamond cut accepted internationally.
There are different certifying authorities, and each of them uses a unique rating system. That’s why this issue can become a little bit problematic.
The good news is that the grades are usually easy to understand although the techniques used to determine these grades are not always clear. In most cases, reputable certifiers rely on grading systems that have 5 or 6 categories.
- Fair or Poor – these diamonds have a weak ability to reflect light.
- Good – diamonds that showcase a respectable level of reflectiveness, typically diamonds which have been cut for size, not brilliance.
- Very Good – diamonds that have only minimal light leakage.
- Premium – almost ideal diamonds.
- Ideal – diamonds with the highest possible level of brilliance.
We have to point out one more time that the terms used for diamond cuts can be different.
For instance, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which is one of the most respected authorities in this field, has a system that has 5 levels – Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent.
As you can see, their Excellent diamond cut grade is the same as the Ideal diamond cut grade used by other institutes.
| GIA | AGS | HRD | DCLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Ideal (AGS0) | Very Good | Excellent |
| Excellent (AGS1) | |||
| Very Good | Very Good (AGS2) | Very Good | |
| Good | Good (AGS3, AGS4) | Good | Good |
| Fair | Fair (AGS5, AGS6, AGS7) | Fair | Medium |
| Poor | Poor (AGS8, AGS9, AGS10) | Poor | Poor |
In addition, there are some diamond sellers that use unique terms for their most attractive diamond cuts. They usually use their brand name as part of the diamond cut name.
Determining diamond cut grades
Now here’s the most complex topic. The techniques and methods utilized for determining cut quality are not the same.
What’s even worse is that even the most reputable organizations in this field are not providing information about the exact methods they use to assess the grades of diamond cuts. They keep this information as sensitive.
It is worth mentioning that the shape of the diamond plays a role in determining cut grades.
Even though there are some common criteria used for all types of diamonds, the specific techniques used to assess a heart-shaped diamond cut are not the same as the ones used for assessing round diamond cut, for example.
Due to the fact that round diamonds are dominating the market, we will focus on these diamonds and use them as an example. The number of facets present in the round diamond is one of the main factors that have an impact on the cut rating of these diamonds.
They represent flat, clearly visible areas present on the surface of the stone. These facets are typically triangular in round diamonds.
At this moment, experts consider round diamonds that have 33 facets on the crown and 25 on the pavilion to be ideal round diamonds. In case there are impurities and imperfections present on the diamond’s surface, diamond cutters usually add a few facets to cover these imperfections. A diamond like this will have a lower cut grade.
Which diamond cut is the best value for money?
Most of us have a specific budget designed for this purpose and the diamond cut you select should match your budget.
Generally speaking, buying a very good or good diamond cut grade will always pay off if you are an average buyer.
The difference in quality between Excellent and Very Good diamond cut is not noticeable, at least not to the naked eye, and the price difference is significant.
Obviously, you should take a closer look at the other three Cs when making an important decision like this.