CUT GRADE

Diamond Cut: An In-Depth Guide

The cut of a diamond not only refers to the diamond’s shape but also to how effectively the diamond returns light back to the viewer’s eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery, while a poorly cut diamond can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of its color or clarity.

Not only do well-cut diamonds appear more brilliant, but they also tend to appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. An "ideal" diamond has both increased brilliance and diameter relative to more deeply-cut diamonds.

GIA's Cut Grade System

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) classifies diamond cut grades into five distinct categories: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Understanding these grades can help you choose a diamond that best meets your desires for brilliance and fire.

Excellent Cut: Reflects nearly all the light that enters the diamond, producing exceptional sparkle and fire.
Very Good Cut: Reflects most of the light that enters, offering high brilliance and sparkle.
Good Cut: Reflects a significant portion of the light, providing a good level of brilliance.
Fair Cut: Reflects some light, but not as much as higher grades. It offers reasonable sparkle.
Poor Cut: Reflects very little light, resulting in minimal brilliance and a dull appearance

Ideal Cut Diamonds

An Ideal Cut Diamond is a round, brilliant, or princess cut diamond that is cut to ideal proportions and angles, and has excellent polish and symmetry ratings. An Ideal Cut Diamond is perfectly proportioned to refract light, producing that fire and brilliance up through the table and crown.

Hearts and Arrows Diamonds

Hearts and Arrows diamonds are renowned for their perfect optical symmetry. Seen from above, these diamonds display an arrow pattern, and when viewed from the pavilion side, they reveal 8 hearts with tiny 'v' shapes. This precise cut ensures maximum light return and exceptional brilliance.

Key Concepts: Brilliance, Dispersion, and Scintillation

A well-cut diamond exhibits three important properties

Brilliance: The reflection of white light from the diamond's surface and interior. It is the primary factor that makes a diamond sparkle.
Dispersion (Fire): The scattering of light into its spectral colors as it passes through the diamond. This separation of white light into its component colors is known as fire.
Scintillation: Flashes of light and dark areas observed as the diamond is moved. This effect adds to the diamond’s overall sparkle.

Why Cut Grade Matters

A diamond's cut grade is crucial because it affects how light interacts with the stone. Well-cut diamonds not only appear larger for their carat weight but also display superior brilliance and fire.

At ViDEH, we adhere to the GIA’s stringent cut grade standards to ensure our diamonds exhibit optimal beauty and quality. Understanding these cut grades helps you make an informed decision when selecting a diamond. Explore our collection to experience the brilliance of our well-cut diamond jewelry.