What Are the Different Cuts of Diamonds?

Diamonds are evaluated based on four key characteristics, known as the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Among these, cut is arguably the most important factor influencing a diamond's sparkle. While many confuse cut with shape, which refers to the diamond's overall outline (round, oval, pear, etc.), cut is what determines a diamond's ability to reflect light and twinkle. 

A well-cut diamond, crafted with precision and artistry, ensures the stone's facets work in perfect harmony. Light enters the diamond and bounces around within, undergoing refraction and dispersion, before exiting as a dazzling display of brilliance and fire. The more precise the cut, the more light is returned to the viewer, resulting in a diamond that glitters and shines brightly. When buying a diamond, you'll get the most sparkle for your buck by selecting a stone with the highest cut grade you can afford.

 

The Diamond Cutting Process

The cutting process starts with a rough diamond, which is analyzed by master cutters to understand its unique characteristics and determine the optimal shape for the diamond, independent of the rough stone's shape. Modern technology like the Sarin machine is used to create a 3D model of the rough stone, helping in accurate measurements. Then comes cleaving or sawing, where the diamond is split along specific planes or sliced with diamond-coated blades.

Bruting rounds the stone and shapes the girdle or outer edge. Next, faceting creates tiny, angled surfaces that reflect light. Each facet is individually polished using diamond powder and precise tools, removing imperfections and maximizing brilliance. Finally, the stone is inspected for polish, symmetry, and weight before receiving a grading report.

 

Cut Grade: Grading A Diamond's Cut

Organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) meticulously assess several key factors to determine a diamond's cut grade. 

These include:

Brightness: This refers to how white light reflects from the diamond. A diamond with excellent brightness reflects light uniformly, creating a dazzling effect.

Fire: Fire is the scattering of white light into all the colors of the rainbow. When exposed to sunlight, a diamond with excellent fire produces a vibrant array of colors.

Scintillation: This is the pattern of light and dark areas caused by reflections within the diamond. Scintillation adds to the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond.

Weight Ratio: This refers to the diamond's weight relative to its diameter. A diamond with an excellent weight ratio is neither too heavy nor too light.

Durability: Durability considers the risk of damage that might result from an extremely thin girdle. A diamond with excellent durability is less susceptible to damage during the jewelry setting procedure or everyday wear.

Polish: Polish refers to the overall quality and condition of the facet surfaces. It includes the evaluation of any blemishes created by the polishing process or during wear.

Symmetry: Symmetry is the exactness of a finished diamond's shape and the arrangement and placement of its facets. A symmetrical diamond has an even display of brightness, fire, and scintillation.

The GIA evaluates these factors to arrive at a diamond's cut grade, concluding it is Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. The grade is set by the lowest assessment the diamond receives for any five of the seven components (polish and symmetry are the exceptions). For example, if the diamond's brightness is graded as Poor, the diamond will receive an overall cut grade of Poor.

These three diamonds have different cut grades: Excellent (left), Good (middle), and Poor (right).

What Are the Different Cuts of Diamonds?

If you've already begun your search, you've likely noticed several popular diamond cutting styles, each with its own advantages.

Brilliant Cut: This is the most common diamond cut and is characterized by numerous small, square facets spreading outward from the center of the stone. The brilliant cut is designed to maximize sparkle and shine, making it a popular choice for jewelry. The cut grade of a brilliant cut diamond is determined by its proportions, symmetry, and polish, aiming to reflect as much light as possible.

Here’s around brilliant cut diamond with an Excellent grade:

Modified Brilliant Cut: This cut is similar to the brilliant cut but is designed to hide imperfections or inclusions in the diamond. It features a mix of round and angular facets, providing a balance between sparkle and clarity.

Aprincess shaped diamond with a modified brilliant cut:

Step Cut: This cut features larger, triangular facets arranged in a series of steps or stairs. The step cut has fewer facets than the brilliant cut, resulting in less sparkle but a cleaner, more mirror-like appearance. It is often used for emerald shaped and Asscher shaped diamonds.

Rose Cut: Also known as a heart cut, the rose cut is a simple and elegant cut with a heart-shaped outline. It has a single row of large facets that provide a high level of sparkle and brilliance. Despite its simplicity, the rose cut is highly prized for its timeless and vintage appeal.

Old Mine Cut: This cut is characterized by a large table and a small, pointed crown. It's a classic cut that has been used for centuries. The old mine cut provides a high level of sparkle and is particularly effective for hiding color flaws.

Thisdiamond has an old mine cut:

What is a Mixed Cut?

A "mixed cut" in the world of diamonds is an innovative approach that combines the best of both worlds: the depth and elegance of step cuts with the fiery sparkle of brilliant cuts. This hybrid cut maximizes the stone's brilliance. It artfully balances cutting styles to enhance its reflective qualities and unique shape.

One of the most celebrated examples of a mixed cut is the "radiant cut diamond." Radiant cuts are esteemed for merging the elongated, sophisticated appearance of an emerald-cut diamond with the dazzling brilliance of a round diamond. The result is a stone that captures light mesmerizingly, making it a desirable choice for those seeking traditional elegance and modern flare in their jewelry.

While the classic "shape is a round brilliant," mixed cuts like the radiant cut offer a more contemporary take, providing a fresh perspective on the traditional "round brilliant diamond." Artisans cut these diamonds to enhance their brilliance. Every facet works to highlight the diamond's natural beauty and shine. The mixed cut is a testament to the evolving art of diamond cutting, offering a luxurious blend of precision and allure.

  

What is a Brilliant Cut Diamond?

A Brilliant Cut Diamond, widely recognized as a hallmark of quality and craftsmanship, is a diamond cut and polished into a symmetrical shape resembling two pyramids placed base to base. This unique design aims to amplify the diamond's natural sparkle and brilliance while preserving as much carat weight as possible. The Round Brilliant diamond, a classic example of the brilliant cut, boasts an impressive 57 facets, with 33 on the crown and 24 on the pavilion.

The brilliant cut is a testament to the meticulous art of diamond cutting. Unlike diamond cuts that focus on size or shape, the brilliant cut prioritizes the diamond's ability to reflect light, resulting in an excellent cut that maximizes the stone's luminous qualities. Each facet is precisely angled and sized to enhance the diamond's interaction with light, ensuring a quality diamond look that captivates and dazzles.

The interplay between the brilliant and step cuts in diamond crafting has evolved, but the brilliant cut remains a favorite for its unrivaled sparkle. This cut not only defines the standard for a quality cut in the diamond industry but also exemplifies how a skillfully cut and polished diamond can transform light into an exquisite display of brilliance.

 

What is Cut Quality in Diamond Shape?

Cut quality in diamonds is crucial in determining how a diamond reflects light, directly influencing its sparkle and overall appearance. The term "diamond cut quality" refers to how well a diamond's facets are arranged and executed. This arrangement is pivotal in how light is absorbed and reflected within the diamond, affecting its brilliance and making it a popular diamond shape choice.

There are various grades of cut quality, ranging from poor to excellent cut grade. Craftsmen shape a good cut diamond to maximize the light that bounces back from the stone's top. This process boosts the diamond's visual appeal. Cut quality goes beyond the basic shape of the diamond, delving into the precision of its facet shapes, angles, and overall finish.

The three main types of diamond cut - step cut, brilliant cut, and mixed cut - interact with light differently. Brilliant cuts, for example, are designed to maximize brilliance and sparkle, while step cuts offer a more subtle and reflective elegance. The mixed cut combines these styles for a unique effect.

In essence, cut quality is not just about the shape of a diamond but also about the artistry and science behind how a diamond is cut and faceted. This determines how a fancy diamond will interact with light, which contributes to its mesmerizing beauty and makes it a highly sought-after gemstone.

 

What is the Best Type of Diamond Cut?

The cut is pivotal in defining the stone's overall brilliance and charm when selecting the perfect diamond. The Round Brilliant cut diamond, renowned for its fifty-seven perfectly aligned facets, stands out as the epitome of brilliance. This cut optimizes total internal reflection, ensuring light travels through the diamond to create unparalleled sparkle and scintillation.

The Cushion cut diamond has recently surged in popularity, surpassing the Princess cut to become the second most favored shape. This cut, a blend of the Round Brilliant and Princess cuts, offers a softer square or rectangular shape akin to a cushion. It is stunning in a scallop set halo engagement ring, exuding contemporary elegance and traditional charm.

The Princess cut diamond, known for its sharp angles and square shape, brings a modern edge to diamond rings. Ideal for those who appreciate geometric precision, it features what is known as box claws to accentuate its distinct 90-degree angles. This cut remains a classic choice, especially in the illustrious Hatton Garden.

For timeless elegance, the Emerald cut stands out. Its step-cut style, different from the internal reflection of a round cut, offers a unique 'hall of mirrors' effect. This cut demands higher colors and clarities, leaving no room for imperfections to hide.

The Oval cut, with a similar sparkle to the round but elongated, is perfect for those seeking to elongate the finger. Likewise, the Marquise cut diamond, offering the largest surface area, is ideal for making a grand statement.

Other fancy diamond shapes like the Asscher cut diamond also offer unique aesthetics, with their distinct square shape and chopped corners reflecting a vintage and modern appearance.

Each diamond cut, from the expensive and luxurious to the uniquely shaped, contributes to the diamond's overall allure. Whether it’s the classic appearance of a Round Brilliant or the unique angles of a Princess cut, every diamond is a diamond in its own right, with different cut types catering to varied tastes and styles.

 

Factoring Cut into Your Final Decision

While all the 4Cs influence a diamond's price, the cut plays a particularly crucial role. A diamond's cut unlocks its true brilliance, and this precision comes at a premium. Generally, higher cut grades signify greater artistry and light performance, translating to a higher price tag.

Finding the perfect diamond often requires balancing your budget with your priorities. If sparkle is your guiding star, prioritizing cut might mean adjusting other aspects like carat weight, color, or clarity. Remember, a smaller diamond with a superior cut but slightly lower color and clarity grade can still be a breathtaking gem. Ultimately, the best diamond is the one that makes your heart sparkle, regardless of its specific grades on the 4Cs.