A wedding gown involves detailed cut and design to make it iconic and elegant for a memorable union. It is carefully balanced from the neckline and waistline upto the hemline to get the desired appearance and glamor.
Your diamond jewelry also undergoes detailed cutting to achieve maximum brilliance and fire. The quality of the diamond cut is the only human element that affects its final grading and price. So, it is crucial to understand what a diamond cut is to get value for your money and maximum elegance for your big day.
What Is a Diamond Cut?
A diamond cut is how the gemstone is well proportioned, its depth and symmetry. It affects the allure and sparkle of your bride’s diamond engagement ring. You’re better off with a great cut that offers max brilliance.
The diamond’s symmetry refers to how similar the facets on each axis are. In comparison, a well-proportioned diamond has ideal measurements for optimal light reflection. The maximum light reflection (light performance) on the diamond’s table determines its brilliance.
A shallow or deep pavilion depth will lead to light leakages. It means that the light will escape without reflecting at the table hence poor light performance. However, a diamond cut with the ideal proportion will reflect the light on the table and crown. So, it influences the diamond’s brilliance and fire.
Diamond-Cut vs. Shape
Diamond cut and shape are commonly used interchangeably. But, they are different as a cut is one of the 4C’s that determine a diamond’s quality and grading. Its shape is more of your style and preference and does not affect its quality.
Like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), most gem labs grade a diamond’s cut based on how proportionate its facets are and its interaction with light. Note that the number of its facets and their orientation affect light interaction.
An excellent diamond cut must have a great polish. Polishing is the of the diamond’s surface. The fine diamond ring is cut from a bigger “rough diamond” from the mine or lab. The cutting leaves the surfaces with blemishes. So, polishing it ensures light enters and exits smoothly with no interference.
A great diamond cut on the diamond wedding band adds brilliance to your bride’s elegant wedding dress. However, a poor cut will dull the brilliance and make the union less memorable. A diamond cut, therefore, can have an excellent or poor grade.
Here are GIA diamond cut grade levels:
| Diamond Cut Grade Level | Description |
| Excellent | Has the highest brilliance and fire level. They have a magnificent sparkle because almost all incoming light is reflected on the table. |
| Very Good | They have exceptional brilliance and fire. If you looked through the naked eye, it has the same sparkle as an excellent grade. |
| Good | It reflects more light to the viewer’s naked eyes. They offer elegance at low prices. |
| Fair | It provides little brilliance as more light escapes through the bottom and sides of the diamond. |
| Poor | Has almost zero sparkles and brilliance. Almost all the incoming light is lost on the sides and bottom of the diamond. |
The American Gem Society (AGS) uses a different 0-10 scale to grade diamond cuts. An ideal cut is zero while a poor cut has a scale of 10. So, confirm with your jeweler, the grading system they are using to appropriately evaluate the diamond’s cut quality.
The diamond’s shape is the figure or general outline of the cut diamond. Standard shapes include oval, round, rectangular, or square. You can also shop for fancier shapes like pear, emerald, and marquise based on your taste.
So, a diamond cut is not the same as its shape. The diamond’s cut determines its quality and grade while its shape does not. The shape is more of your taste and none is better than the other.
What Is the Best Diamond Cut?
So, what is the best diamond cut if the shape has little influence on quality?
The round diamond with 58 facets is the best diamond cut if it has a culet. Its 58 facets ensure that lights bounce back and forth playfully without escaping. The same effect is possible in a round diamond without a culet using 57 facets. It offers the highest level of brilliance and fire hence the ideal diamond cut.
What Is the Price of the Best Diamond Cut?
The price of the best-cut diamond does not depend on the cut alone. As stated earlier, the value of a diamond is determined by 4C’s. Diamond cut is just one of the factors, others include the carat weight, color, and clarity.
Lab-grown diamond offers the best value for money for a round diamond wedding ring. They are eco-friendly with the same quality as naturally-mined diamonds. To top it off, they are ethical, unlike naturally-mined blood diamonds.
You can get the best price depending on the carat weight, color and clarity too. Check with your jeweler on the options available on the round diamonds.
Check Quality of Diamond Cut Online
Most online retailers offer detailed cut grades of their diamonds. Although some offer little or no information on cut grades, start by checking the retailer’s website.
But it is important to note that most retailers do not provide cut grades for most fancier shapes. You will find cut-grade details on round-cut diamond rings occasionally. If in doubt contact the retailer for clarification to avoid being ripped off.
Final Takeaway
The brilliance and fire of any diamond jewelry depend on its cut. So, if you want your bride to pull off a complete elegance on the big day, go for the best diamond cut.
The proven best cut is the round diamond with 58 or 57 facets. It has the highest level of brilliance and fire with no escaping light.
A lab-grown round diamond ring will be suitable if you want an affordable ideal cut. But, it is important to note that the carat weight, clarity, and color of the diamond also determine the pricing.
