When people talk about the cut of a diamond, they are usually really talking about the diamond’s shape. For example, when a person refers to a diamond as “Marquis” cut, they really mean the shape. The actual cut of a diamond is only relevant in round diamonds and princess cut (square) diamonds. If you’re buying a princess cut diamond, you should pay close attention to the cut. What cut truly refers to is how ideally the diamond is cut to bring out its natural brilliance.
Princess Diamonds Are Graded by Cut
The determining factor in a grading a diamond’s cut is how well it reflects the light. A diamond that is cut to the perfect proportions sparkles more than a diamond of an inferior cut. Cutting to the perfect proportion ensures that light entering the diamond is reflected back out through the top. If a diamond’s cut is too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom. If the cut is too deep, light escapes from the sides.
Cut Grades
Cuts are actually graded go make it easier for you understand the quality of your diamond. There are five cut grades:
- Ideal – This cut is the best quality diamond cut. It is rare, as only about three percent of the world’s diamonds are cut to this grade. This diamond reflects light extremely well.
- Very Good – This diamond is nearly as brilliant as an ideal cut, but will cost you a little less.
- Good Cut – Still in the top 25% of diamond cuts, this diamond will cost substantially less than the two higher cut grades, but still reflect most light that enters.
- Fair Cut – You’ll find many diamonds in this cut grade. It is a beautiful diamond, but noticeably less brilliant than higher cuts.
- Poor cut – These diamonds lose much of the light coming into them rather than reflecting it back. This diamond is a poor investment and most reputable jewelers will not carry this cut.
Don’t Go By Weight
In many cases, diamonds have an inferior cut on purpose. Many diamonds are cut to be of greater weight, as opposed to having the best brilliance. This is because many shoppers mistakenly value the weight over the cut.
The smart shopper will choose the most brilliant cut, even if it means purchasing a smaller diamond. But, don’t worry, that princess cut diamond engagement ring with a good cut will sparkle more and look just as large as the heavier diamond with the inferior cut.
