Cut

The cut of the diamond is the most important and perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial of the 4Cs. Diamond dealers refer to cut as make, and it is the only feature of a diamond that can be controlled by man.

Precision cutting is required to maximize the true brilliance of a diamond. When we talk about cut, we are referring to much more than just the shape of a diamond. We are talking about the exact angles, proportions, symmetry, and polish that affect the way a diamond reflects light. For maximum brilliance to occur, there should be absolute symmetry in the placing of the facets and the highest quality of polishing. The term Ideal Cut does not only refer to proportions but as much to symmetry and polish. When the proportions are ideal the brilliance, scintillation and dispersion of light is maximized.

Ideal Cut

An accurately proportioned stone will attract the highest price per carat. When the diamond is cut to gain weight, or spread to make it look larger than it is, it will be too deep or too shallow.

The ideal cut diamond is cut with such precision that light entering the diamond reflects internally from facet to facet and is reflected back only through the top, creating optimum brilliance. If a diamond is not cut to ideal proportions, the light entering the diamond from the top will disperse through the sides and bottom of the stone, and the diamond will appear watery, glassy and dark—without sparkle or fire—regardless of its color or clarity.