Diamond Handbook - Cut. It's All About the Sparkle

1. THE CUT OF A DIAMOND

When grading a diamond, one of the most essential (and visible) factors to examine is the Cut, which defines the diamond's shine, brilliance, and scintillation. The cut of a diamond, which is often confused with its shape (round, princess, emerald, cushion, etc. refers to how skillfully the diamond has been cut and polished, regardless of its final shape.

2. WHAT IS AN IDEAL CUT

An ideal cut diamond is a round, brilliant, or princess cut diamond that has excellent polish and symmetry. An ideal cut diamond reflects almost all of the light that enters it and is one of the most valuable cuts. Hence this ideal cut is set as a Benchmark where all other diamonds are graded against it. Hearts and Arrows - diamonds are a particular Subcategory of these ideal cut diamonds. Hearts and Arrows - Diamonds are the most beautiful diamonds in the world. When these diamonds are examined through a special magnifying tool, they exhibit hearts pattern on the bottom and arrows pattern on top due to their perfect angles and symmetry. Hence the name. Hearts and Arrows are not for everyone. They are for the individual that seeks the best in everything and won't settle for second best. True Hearts & Arrows are rare and limited in production

3.THE GRADING SCALE OF DIAMOND QUALITY

The GIA diamond cut grading system evaluates how the individual elements of the cut combine to affect the appearance and performance of the diamond. On the basis of which we have 5 Grades as follows:

EXCELLENT CUT

Diamonds with excellent cuts have the most fire and brightness. The diamond sparkles brilliantly as all of the incoming light is reflected through the table.

VERY GOOD CUT

Diamonds with a Very Good Cut have outstanding brilliance and fire. The diamond's table reflects a considerable portion of the light that enters. Very Good diamonds sparkle similarly to Excellent diamonds to the naked eye.

GOOD CUT

Good cut diamonds are known for their brilliance and sparkle, with most of the light reflecting back to the observer through the table. These diamonds are attractive at a reduced cost.

FAIR CUT

In Fair Cut Diamonds Light easily escapes through the bottom and sides, giving it minimal brilliance. For lesser carats and side stones, diamonds with a Fair Cut may be a good choice.

POOR CUT

This category represents 35% of the diamond cut quality. These Poorly cut diamonds have almost no radiance, brilliance, or fire, as the diamond's edges and bottom, emits the light as it enters.

* Evol uses only excellent cut grade diamonds for perfect shine & brilliance.

4. Anatomy Of A Diamond

The anatomy of a diamond is a primary structure, that determines its proportions, brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation. Each component of a diamond has its own name, and understanding how each of these components contributes to the diamond as a whole will aid you in finding the perfect diamond.

Table: The largest facet of a gemstone

Crown: The top portion of a diamond extending from the girdle to the table

Girdle: The intersection of the crown and pavilion which defines the circumference of a diamond

Diameter: The measurement from one girdle edge of a diamond straight across to the opposing side

Pavilion: The bottom portion of a diamond, extending from the girdle to the culet

Culet: The facet at the tip of a gemstone. The preferred Culet is not visible with the unaided eye (graded "none" or "small")

Depth: The height of a gemstone measured from the Culet to the table

5. FACTORS THAT AFFECT A DIAMOND'S CUT

The cut quality of a diamond is the most essential aspect of its worth and price. Cut quality is determined by many factors, including proportions, facets, finishing details, and the ability to reflect light. The higher the grade of the diamond, and hence the higher the price, the better these traits are taken together. While color and clarity are important factors in a diamond's appeal, Cut is the most important of the four Cs.

Here are the main factors that affect the price of a diamond:

Proportions (table, width, depth)
Symmetrical facets (the mirrors, windows and steps of a diamond)
Brilliance (brightness of white light reflection)
Fire (dispersion of colored light)
Scintillation (the flashes of sparkle when light moves)
Finishing details (permanent treatment and polishing)

6. Difference between Diamond Cut And Diamond Shape

Despite their common interchangeability, diamond cut and diamond shape are two distinct concepts. Optimally diamond cut is determined by three factors: Proportions, Symmetry, and Polish (the overall condition of the diamond's facets), where the shape of a diamond refers to the defining outline or form of the stone, like for example, Pear Shape and Round Brilliant describe the aesthetic appearance of the diamond.

7. GIA Certification

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a Non-Profit Organization founded in 1931, is the world's greatest authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. This lab is noted for its accuracy and impartial diamond grading procedures. The most valuable diamonds in the industry are those that come with GIA grading reports. The GIA has tested and graded every loose diamond at Blue Nile. Every diamond detail page includes a GIA diamond certificate.