When it comes to evaluating the beauty and value of a diamond, the famous 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — serve as a guide. And while each is important to the overall appeal of the gem, the diamond cut is especially so. This is because it directly influences the gem’s brilliance, sparkle, and overall visual appeal. Understanding the diamond cut scale is important for anyone seeking to find and appreciate a truly breathtaking and radiant gem. 

Elements of Diamond Cut Quality

The term “diamond cut” refers to the craftsmanship and artistry involved in shaping a rough diamond into its final form. Diamond cut includes three key aspects: proportions, polish, and symmetry. Each of these elements plays an important role in determining a diamond’s brilliance. 

Proportions, often referred to as the anatomy of the diamond, involve the relationships between the stone’s facets and dimensions. A well-cut diamond reflects light in a way that maximizes its internal brilliance and enhances the overall visual impact. Precise proportions ensure that the gem refracts, reflects, and disperses light for a stunning display.

Polish refers to the quality of the diamond’s surface finish, specifically the absence of any blemishes or scratches. A polished, well-cut diamond with exceptional smoothness allows light to pass through without interruption. This allows it to interact with the gem’s internal facets and create a mesmerizing sparkle. 

Symmetry, as the name suggests, relates to the precise alignment and uniformity of the diamond’s facets and angles. A symmetrical cut ensures that light is evenly distributed throughout the gem, contributing to the balance, brilliance, and beauty of the diamond. This can be especially noticeable on more complex diamond shapes.

Although many people think of carats when they think about diamonds, you will want to prioritize cut over carat size. Bigger is not always better, especially if the cut is lacking and leaves the diamond looking dull or uneven. A smaller carat ring with a better cut can actually look bigger than a heavier but more poorly cut one.

So while each of the 4Cs of diamonds holds significance, the diamond cut reigns supreme in terms of enhancing a gem’s radiance and allure. By understanding the importance of proportions, polish, and symmetry, you can find the perfect diamond for your loved one.

What Is the Diamond Cut Scale?

The diamond cut scale is a grading system used to assess the quality of a diamond’s cut. It provides a standardized way to evaluate how well a diamond has been cut in terms of its proportions, polish, and symmetry. There are five main elements of a diamond’s cut grade, which ranges from excellent to poor. Each grade represents different levels of diamond cut quality and, consequently, the diamond’s overall brilliance and beauty. The GIA, one of the premier diamond grading organizations in the world, explains how it assigns diamond cut grades here.

Excellent Cut

Diamonds with an excellent cut grade display exceptional craftsmanship and precision. They have ideal proportions, with precisely aligned facets that reflect and refract light in the most captivating way. Diamonds in this category, like round brilliant cut diamonds, showcase maximum brilliance, fire, and sparkle, making them highly sought after. 

Very Good Cut

Diamonds with a very good cut grade have excellent proportions, although they may deviate slightly from the ideal standards. They still offer a high level of brilliance and visual appeal, just at a lower price point than excellent cuts. 

Good Cut

Diamonds with a good cut grade have acceptable proportions, but they may not maximize the gem’s potential for brilliance. While they still possess attractive qualities, their sparkle and fire may be slightly lower compared to diamonds with higher cut grades.

Fair Cut

Diamonds with a fair cut grade show noticeable deviations from ideal proportions, affecting their ability to reflect light optimally. Although they may still exhibit some sparkle and beauty, they generally do not have the same level of brilliance as higher cut grades.

Poor Cut

Finally, a poorly cut diamond has significant deviations from the ideal proportions. It will reflect and refract light inefficiently, resulting in a significant loss of brilliance and sparkle. Diamonds in this category may appear dull or lifeless, detracting from their overall visual appeal. 

The highest cut grade of a diamond is excellent. Diamonds that receive an excellent grade show the exceptional craftsmanship, precise proportions, and superb light performance that many people are looking for. These diamonds are highly prized for their exceptional beauty and are considered the pinnacle of cut quality. 

Which Diamond Cut Grade Is Best for You?

It is important to note that while the diamond’s cut is a crucial factor in determining a diamond’s beauty, the other 4Cs also influence the overall quality and value of the gem. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider all the 4Cs when you are selecting a diamond to ensure a well-rounded evaluation. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer a lower grade diamond cut if the stone offers more clarity.

It is also important to consider your budget. Often, a higher diamond cut grade comes with a higher price. However, you can still get a stunning diamond with a slightly lower cut grade. When you are choosing your diamond, carefully evaluate which of the 4Cs is most important to you and determine how much you are willing to spend to find the ideal diamond cut for your style and preferences. A round brilliant cut diamond or other refined shape may cost you more than other standard diamond cuts.

Clean Origin Cut Offerings

At Clean Origin, we have our own diamond cut chart with four different cut grades. Our grades include good, very good, excellent, and ideal. No matter what kind of diamond cut you are looking for, you are sure to find the perfect fit from our collection of lab grown diamonds that are perfect for engagement rings. 

Get the best-looking diamond that offers maximum brilliance by going for an ideal cut grade gem. Or opt for something a bit more understated and affordable with an excellent or very good cut grade. Alternatively, choose a custom diamond and build a ring that is sure to impress. Not only do our lab created diamonds offer exceptional sparkle and brilliance, but they are also more ethical and environmentally friendly than mined diamonds.