Diamond Cut
Diamond cut is one of the diamond’s four primary quality markers, known as the 4Cs. The term “cut” is commonly associated with a diamond’s shape, but it’s actually lies in the quality of its cut. The cut of a diamond encompasses various quality factors like brilliance, facet symmetry, fire, angles, proportions, scintillation, and finishing details. The diamond cut is vital as it directly influences its brilliance, sparkle, and overall visual appeal. A well-cut diamond maximises the reflection and refraction of light, creating dazzling brightness.
How Is A Diamond Cut Graded?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) introduced a diamond cut grading system, setting the modern standard. A diamond’s cut is graded by GIA on a scale of Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. The proportions and angles of a diamond that is cut for maximum brilliance and fire, depending on the diamond shape, is signified by the Ideal and Excellent grade.
Anatomy Of A Diamond Cut
The diamond’s proportions affect its light performance, which affects it’s beauty and overall appeal.
Table: The primary facet of a gemstone, usually the largest.
Crown: The upper part of a diamond, from the girdle to the table.
Girdle: The meeting point of the crown and pavilion, defining the diamond’s circumference.
Diameter: The measurement across a diamond from one girdle edge to the opposite side.
Pavilion: The lower part of a diamond, from the girdle to the culet.
Culet: The facet at a gemstone’s tip. Ideally, it’s not visible to the naked eye (graded “none” or “small”).
Depth: The height of a gemstone, from the culet to the table.
Different Cut Grades
Excellent: Top-notch proportions, polish, and symmetry offering mesmerising sparkle.
Very Good: Proportions within the ideal range, with slightly lower polish and symmetry grades, offering comparable beauty to Excellent diamonds.
Good: Slightly outside the ideal range, with varying polish and symmetry grades, delivering impressive sparkle at a more accessible price.
Fair Slightly imperfect proportions allow ample light reflection, though not as bright as higher grades, with a more affordable price point.
Poor: Limited light refraction due to grey areas or dullness, making them more budget-friendly but less sparkling.
How Does Diamond Cut Impact Price?
Finding the perfect diamond involves balancing your preferences with your budget across the 4 C’s: cut, carat, colour, and clarity. Cut grade significantly influences price; higher grades typically command higher prices due to enhanced sparkle and brilliance.
Shop Diamonds
Thanks to the unique, high-quality geometric crystal shapes found in Southern Africa, Cape Diamonds offers a number of well-priced diamonds. From romantic cushion cut, princess cut, emerald cut, and oval cut selections, to fancy shaped asscher cut, pear cut, marquise cut, radiant cut, and heart cut diamonds, you can shop them all.
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