Diamond Cut Explained: How to Pick the Sparkliest Diamond
Whether a diamond is shiny enough, "cut" has a crucial influence. Therefore, when choosing diamonds , the requirements for cut should be very strict. The cut not only determines the brilliance of a diamond, it also affects its fire and overall scintillation.
A diamond's appeal comes from its brilliance, fire and sparkle. When light hits the surface of a diamond, part of the light will be reflected back from the surface, while the other part will enter the interior of the diamond. An excellent cut can allow light entering the diamond to reflect again, thus showing higher brightness. Conversely, a poor cut will cause most of the light to escape, making the diamond appear to lack sparkle.
What is the “fire” of a diamond?
The "fire" of a diamond refers to the colorful appearance of the diamond under light. The intensity of fire is closely related to the cut of the diamond. The better the cut, the more intense the fire, and the degree of fire can usually only be seen under external light.
GIA Cut Grading
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) classifies diamond cut into four grades:
- Excellent: Perfect cut, optimal light reflection, and the highest standards of brightness and fire.
- Very Good: The cut is close to perfect and the light reflection effect is very good.
- Good: The cut is average and the light reflection effect is average.
- Fair (lowest grade): The cut is not ideal, and more light is lost, affecting the brightness and fire of the diamond.
Tips for choosing 3 Excellent diamonds
If you have the budget, it is recommended to choose a diamond with "3 Excellent" (i.e. cut, polish and symmetry are all Excellent). The brilliance of this type of diamond is very reliable and is a symbol of high quality. If you want to “pick the best of the best”, you can further subdivide the cutting angles, but don’t be too obsessed, as this may cause you to miss out on other high-quality diamonds.
Rather than relying too much on technical specifications, choose a 3EX diamond and use your eyes to see its sparkle. This makes it easier to find satisfactory options.
Cut comparison between natural diamonds and cultured diamonds
The quality of cut applies equally to natural diamonds and cultured diamonds (also called laboratory diamonds or artificial diamonds ). The growth environment of cultured diamonds is controllable, so it is easier to achieve 3EX standards in terms of cutting. This makes cultured diamonds a cost-effective option.
Explore our collection of natural diamonds , or learn more about our cultured diamond options.
FAQ
Q: How much impact does cut have on the appearance of a diamond?
A: Cut is the most important factor affecting the sparkle of a diamond. Excellent cutting can reflect light to the greatest extent, enhancing brightness and fire.
Q: What is 3EX diamond?
A: 3EX diamonds refer to diamonds with Excellent cut, polish and symmetry grades, representing the highest cutting standards.
Q: Are cultured diamonds cut the same as natural diamonds?
A: Yes, the cutting standards of cultured diamonds are the same as those of natural diamonds, and cultured diamonds are easier to achieve excellent cutting quality.
