Cut

The Difference Of The Diamond Cut

Cut is considered by many diamond experts to be the most important of the 4 C’s. Although most people think of the shape of the diamond when they think about diamond cut, cut is really a reference to the diamond’s reflective quality.

Diamond cutters are an elite group of gemstone cutters. Their skill surpasses that of all other cutters of gemstones. Diamond cutters must be very well trained and skilled in their craft, as so much is riding on the diamond cutter’s eye and ability to produce the best cut possible for a given diamond.

The 4 C’s of diamonds – clarity, carat, color, and cut – are a grading method for diamonds that standardizes diamond quality and associated value. These are often provided on a diamond certificate, such as a GIA certificate, as reference and proof of the diamond’s quality. The cut of a diamond on a diamond certificate refers to the quality of the diamond cut, not the shape.

The best diamond cut for a particular diamond is dependent on the diamond’s natural formation and qualities. Good diamond cutters are able to study the individual diamond and produce the cut that is best for that diamond.

There are different grades of diamond cuts. Ideal cut diamonds are considered the best that money can buy, but ideal cut diamonds are not usually the largest diamonds available. That is because the maximum brilliance and reflectiveness of the diamond is produced in smaller cuts. This is why there are different cuts of diamonds and why it is worth knowing about the different cuts and grades when making a diamond purchase. The highest grade of diamond cut is not necessarily the diamond a buyer will like the most.

Diamond Shapes

Cut does refer somewhat to shape; at least the two are partners. There are several shapes of cut diamonds. Some of the names one might hear in reference to diamond shape are:

• Emerald cut diamonds
• European cut diamonds
• Cushion cut diamond
• Asscher cut diamond
• Mine cut diamonds
• Princess cut diamonds

Round diamond shapes are among the most traditional shapes of cut diamonds, but the square or rectangular Princess cut diamond is a favorite of many. Princess cuts are used in many jewelry settings. Princess cut diamond rings are a favored choice as an alternative to the traditional round solitaire. People who are looking for something a little more unique in an engagement ring often choose a princess cut diamond ring. A princess cut diamond wedding band might also be chosen to complete the set. The cut is also highly popular in coordinating jewelry; especially in a princess cut diamond earring set.

Another popular alternative cut is the emerald cut. The emerald cut is traditionally used for emeralds, but is also used in diamond cutting and shaping. The emerald cut is also a square or rectangular shaped cut, but with rounded corners. The emerald cut has a somewhat softer shape. Emerald cut diamond rings are also classy alternatives for unique diamond engagements rings.

Everyone has their preference when it comes to the shape and appearance of the diamond they buy. Diamond buying is all about balancing each of the diamond characteristics to find the best quality diamond the buyer can afford, but also to find the diamond presentation the buyer, and wearer, loves the most. Choosing the right shape and best quality cut of the diamond is one piece of the diamond buying puzzle.