What is 'Cut'?

The Cut of the diamond refers to its angles and proportions. Out of the four C's, the cut is the aspect most directly formed by the human hand, the other three are established by nature. Diamonds are cut into various shapes: Round, Square, Pear, or Heart all depending on the orignial form of the uncut diamond. The quality of the cut will greatly affect the brilliance of the diamond which means the better the cut the more light the diamond will reflect - giving it the famous diamond 'Sparkle'.

Diamonds are usually cut with 58 facets, or seprate flat surface. These facets follow a mathematical formula and are placed at practicular angles in relation to each other. This relationship is designed to increase the amount of light reflected throguht the diamond and to increase its beauty. A diamonds ability to reflect light completes its display of fire and brilliance.

1. Well cut

When a diamond is cut to proper proportion, light is reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone.

2. Deep cut

When the cut of a diamond is to deep, some light escapes through the opposite side of the pavillion.

3. Shallow cut

When the cut of a diamond is to shallow, light escapes through the pavillion before it can be reflected.

The cut, or proportion, of a diamond is measured in percentages relative to the diameter of its girdle .The girdle diameter of each diamond is always considered 100%.

Example: The girdle of a diamond measures 10 millimetres (100%) and the table measures 5.6 millimetres. The total depth measurement is 6.1 millimetres. The diamond would be described as having a table of 56% and a depth of 61%. The table and the depth percentages are the key to determining good proportions.

The proportion is not the same for every shape. Due to the mathematical differences inherent in different shapes, the table and depth guidelines are formulated to maximize fire and brilliance.

When you buy a diamond, it will be given a grade of cut, in one of the following categories:

Ideal cut:

This range is very strict and combines the best in brilliance and fire. Due to the amount of time and skill it takes to make an ideal cut diamond, very few ideal cut diamonds are available – they are also the most expensive on the market.

Excellent

This range is also of great beauty, but there is slightly more flexibility with cut specifications.

Very Good

This range is balanced between precise proportions and price considerations. A 'very good' cut diamond is viewed by many as the best option, taking into account both beauty and price.