Information on Ideal Cut Diamonds

The "Magic" of Cut

Only the cut of a diamond; its depth and width, as well as the size, shape, angle, and positioning of the diamond facets will determine its brilliance, dispersion, and scintillation.

Of all the characteristics of a diamond that determine its beauty and value, "Cut" is the one thing that is entirely manipulated by the diamond cutter and will make the difference between a visually brilliant diamond vs. a diamond with a dulled appearance and poor light performance.

A diamond can have a perfect color and clarity grade but if it is poorly cut it will look like a piece of glass; dull and lifeless.

Conversely, if a diamond has been properly cut and considered an Ideal Cut Diamond, it will achieve maximum optical performance regardless of its color and clarity, and will actually look more beautiful and brilliant than a poor or mediocre cut diamond of higher color and clarity.

Here is how it works:

Light is constantly entering into the diamond through the table, which is it's largest facet and the surrounding crown. Once inside, the light will travel within the stone by way of reflecting off of the round brilliant diamond's facets which if aligned and positioned correctly act as mirrors. In a perfectly cut diamond the light will then refract and exit back out through the table to the eye. A perfectly cut diamond is therefore going to display incredible light performance in any lighting environment.

In a diamond of poor cut quality the light will be misdirected when entering and exiting the stone. Instead of the light being refracted back through the table to the eye in the form of brilliance, it will be lost through the sides or escape from the bottom in the form of leakage. This is because the incorrect alignment and positioning of facets results in them acting as windows through which light will exit. A poor or mediocre cut diamond is therefore going to rely on the halogen bulbs of the jewelry stores to make them "appear" sparkly, but will appear dull and lifeless when viewed in normal lighting conditions.