The Three Different Diamond Cuts

Diamond cuts are what bring a stone to life, giving it that fiery sparkle that is beloved by many. The science behind the different cuts of diamonds is actually a little more complicated than you might think. The placement, depth, and shape of the cuts need to be exact so the diamond’s brilliance can be maximized making it the stones most important characteristic.

Diamond cuts are referred to not only as a diamond’s shape, but also how effectively the diamond returns light back to the viewer’s eye. A diamond that is very well cut will have that fiery brilliance, while a diamond that isn’t cut very well will be dull and lifeless regardless of the diamond’s clarity or color. Well cut diamonds not only offer up a more brilliant stone, but they also create the illusion that the diamond is actually larger that its carat weight suggests.

There are 3 different proportions of cuts that will eventually take part in determining the value of the stone. They are shallow cut, ideal cut, and deep cut. When a cut is too shallow it leaks light out through the bottom of the stone. If the cut is too deep then when light is taken in from the top of the stone it escapes out through the side. The ideal cut is the most sought after cut proportion, albeit the most expensive as well, because the cut allows light that is taken in from the top to be returned through the top of the diamond, maximizing its brilliance or “sparkle”. The illustration below demonstrates the interaction between light and the different proportioned cuts.

When it comes to valuing cut diamonds, it is based on their rating. Common ratings are super ideal, ideal, very good, good, and fair. The higher the rating the more expensive the diamond will be. This is because diamonds with a higher rating of cut are often very hard to come by because their proportions, polish, and symmetry are near perfect for returning the maximum amount of light. As you move down the ratings, diamonds become less brilliant and less symmetrical. Many people purchase cuts that have ideal or very good ratings because the difference in brilliance isn’t obvious and they are much more affordable.

If you are interested in more information on diamond cuts or the fine selection of diamond jewelry carried at Adams Jewelers, don’t hesitate to call or click today to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff.

Like Adams Jewelers on Facebook!