Diamonds - Brilliant Jewelers
Range of Diamond Clarity:



Cut Grades:
Ideal cut:
Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond. An exquisite, rare diamond.


Very good cut:
Still of superior, rare quality, this diamond reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a considerably lower price.


Good cut:
Reflects most light that enters and is often significantly less expensive than a very good cut. An excellent value in a well-cut diamond.


Fair cut:
A fair cut will sparkle, but will not be as brilliant as a higher grade of cut.


Poor cut:
A lifeless-looking diamond. Poor-cut gemstones are not recommended.
   Cut Determines Sparkle:
Cut refers to a diamond's proportions, which enhance a diamond's ability to refract light as fire and brilliance. Many gemologists consider cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will have only a dull sparkle.

The proportions of a diamond determines its ability to refract light, so these measurements are also used to determine a cut grade. A diamond that is cut too shallow or deep will lose light out the sides and bottom and will appear dull, with little sparkle.

Because of this, the grade of a diamond's cut is determined by the diamond's proportions: the height compared to the depth, and the size of the table compared to the width.


Cut Shapes:




Polish and Symmetry Affect Sparkle:
The polish grade, which describes the smoothness of the diamond's finish, and the symmetry grade, which refers to alignment of the facets, are called out separately on a diamond certificate, even though their qualities are determined in the diamond cutting process. Poor polish will dull a diamond's sparkle. If a diamond has poor symmetry, it will not refract and reflect all the light that enters.

Which Cut Grade is Best?
For a diamond that earns the highest marks for its appearance even under a microscope, look for cut grades of ideal or very good, and polish and symmetry grades of ideal or excellent.

For a diamond that has no visible difference when compared with the naked eye to more expensive cuts, choose a diamond with a cut grade of good, and polish and symmetry grades of very good or good.

For excellent value with an ideal- or very-good cut diamond with ideal or excellent polish and symmetry, consider less expensive grades of color and clarity try a diamond with G or H color and SI1SI2 clarity.