We know and it is more than proven that the cut of a diamond is crucial to its brilliance and fire. An expert cut maximises the reflected light, providing that incomparable sparkle we all desire. An exceptional cut can make a diamond sparkle to its full potential, while a poor cut can leave it dull and lifeless, regardless of its clarity or colour…

Precision and Proportions

A diamond’s cut refers to the precision of its proportions, symmetry and polish. It is not to be confused with the shape of the diamond (such as round, princess, emerald, etc.), but rather how well the diamond’s facets interact with light. Ideal proportions maximise the amount of light that is reflected back to the observer, resulting in greater brilliance. This includes crown height, pavilion depth, facet angle, table size and overall cut symmetry.

Cutting Grades

Cut grades, commonly graded from Excellent to Poor, determine how a diamond handles light. An “Excellent” cut grade indicates that the diamond produces maximum brilliance and fire, while a “Poor” grade suggests that the diamond loses a lot of light, resulting in less brilliance. These grades are assigned by certification laboratories based on meticulous analysis of the diamond’s proportions and their effect on light performance.

There are several cut styles, with the round brilliant cut being the most popular due to its ability to maximise reflected light. Other cuts such as princess, emerald, oval, marquise, heart, pear and Asscher each have their own optimal proportion guidelines to enhance their unique beauty.

The cut also plays a crucial role in the price of a diamond. A high-quality cut can significantly increase the value of a diamond, as it enhances all the desirable visual qualities of the gemstone. Investing in a diamond with an excellent quality cut is often recommended, even if this means compromising slightly in other areas such as colour and clarity.