A diamond cut is essential to knowing how to buy a diamond. The cut of a diamond is the art of its beauty. It is what makes every angle and facet dazzle when interacting with light.
A well-polished and symmetrical diamond will ensure it uses the light in the most effective way. The diamond will appear brilliant and fiery with superb scintillation.
“A well-cut diamond will have more life and sparkle than one with a lesser cut quality,” the AGS points out. And the way a diamond is cut is graded as well.
Different gemological laboratories use different nomenclature when grading cut. The American Gem Society has developed a diamond cut grading scale that rates from zero to ten, which is useful when understanding how to buy a diamond. Their grading scale examines essential elements associated with a diamond’s cut in order to ensure the proportions will maximize fire and brilliance.
Only round stones are given cut grades on diamond certificates, but all shapes have ideal ranges and values for the elements that impact the cut of the stone.
The cut of a diamond is also associated with its shape, and sometimes the two words are used interchangeably. However, the two are different for professional jewelers. Cut refers to the arrangement of facets, and shape is designated for the diamond’s outline. There are a variety of diamond shapes, all fashioned to accentuate a particular characteristic of the diamond.