Cut

The defining factor of a gem’s brilliance, cut is the only man-made aspect of a diamond. Symmetrically round, with proper depth and width, a well-cut diamond will also have a uniformity of facets. This complex combination of features allows a diamond to reflect light from one facet to another, dispersing it through the top of the stone. Cut too deep or too shallow, even a diamond of superior color and clarity will lose light through the sides or leak light out of the bottom, resulting in a less brilliant, less valuable diamond.

[chart of well-cut and poorly cut diamonds]

Cut Determines Brilliance

Establishing cut grade is a complex undertaking that takes into account a diamond’s angles and proportions. Ciara utilizes specialized optical devices and computers to gauge the behavior of light entering and exiting a diamond in order to measure the gem’s brilliance.

Cut Composition

[chart labeling diamond parts]

• Diameter: Width measured through the girdle
• Table: A gems largest facet
• Crown: Measured from girdle to table (the top portion of a diamond)
• Girdle: Delineates a diamond’s perimeter and marks the intersection of crown and pavilion
• Pavilion: Measured from girdle to culet (the bottom portion of a diamond)
• Culet: The bottom facet of a gemstone ( look for a grade of None or Small)
• Depth: From culet to the table (gemstone height)

The Radiance of Polish & Symmetry

The twin factors of Cut are Polish and Symmetry. Polish refers to the smoothness of a diamond’s facets, and Symmetry addresses how the facets relate to each other. Poor polish results in a cloudy or dull surface, while poor symmetry yields misdirected light.

Ciara recommends concentrating on diamonds above grades with grades ideal through very good (I, EX, VG, G) when shopping. Diamonds with a cut grade of very good (VG) and good (G) with symmetry grades of good (G) or very good (VG) tend to be the best values. We also suggest ignoring diamonds graded fair (F) or poor (P).