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Diamond Cut This is one of the most important of all characteristics, and among the hardest to judge. Typically, this refers to the shape of a diamond, but also includes the make or proportions the stone. Nature determines the clarity, carat weight, and color of a diamond, but a diamond's beauty can only be released by the hand of a master craftsman. The proportions of a stone as well as its polish and precision of faceting determine how much of the diamond's potential fire and beauty may be released. Diamond cutters are paid to retain the maximum weight from rough stones. You will find poorly cut diamonds such as overly long or fat Marquises, extremely deep Heart Shapes and Emerald Cuts, and Ovals and Pear Shapes with big shoulders, or overly deep or out of shape Rounds. A poorly made stone tends to result in a higher yield (less waste) from the rough while a better made diamond “wastes” more of the rough. A well cut round diamond typically weighs only about 40% or less of the original piece of rough the cutter started with. This is why better cut diamonds and near Ideal cut stones command a premium. The way a diamond is cut will most certainly influence its sparkle, fire and brilliance, as well as its perceived size and even, to some degree its apparent color. In order to maximize the diamond's brilliance it must be cut in a geometrically precise manner. This means properly aligning the facets so light will enter the diamond and reflect back through the large top facet, or table of the diamond. Here is an example of how a diamond will reflect light. Symmetry, polish, and faceting are the most noticeable features of cut, but also important are percentages for depth, height and angles. A diamond actually acts like a mirror, reflecting light off it's facets. Light should enter and exit a diamond through the top facets. A cut that is too shallow or too deep reflects it through the bottom facets. This will cause the diamond to be less brilliant. An AGS 000 or AGS Triple Zero graded stone takes the ideal cut one step farther. It uses even more strict guidelines to grade the stones. Back to Previous Page Home Page Products Map and Location Knowledge Center Services Resources Search Contact Us