When most think of diamond cut, we often think of the diamond’s shape (round, radiant, pear etc.), but a diamond’s cut grade is really in reference to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light. The amount of sparkle and brilliance a diamond has is dependent on how well the diamond’s facets interact with light.

Meticulous workmanship is required to fashion a diamond so that it’s proportions, symmetry and polish produce a gorgeous return of light only possible with a fine diamond cut.

With the quality of the cut being vital to the the diamond’s final value and beauty, it’s imperative that it be done right. Of all the 4c’s, it is perhaps the most complex and difficult to analyze.

The GIA uses a Cut Grading System that evaluates seven components. The first three consider the diamond’s overall ‘face-up’ appearance: brightness, fire and scintillation. The remaining four determine the diamond’s design and craftsmanship: weight ratio, durability, polish and symmetry.

Brightness – Both internal and external white light that is reflected from the diamond.

Fire – The scattering of white light into all of the colors of the rainbow.

Scintillation – The sparkle produced by the diamond; the pattern of the light and dark areas caused by reflections from within the diamond.