Diamond Cuts Explained

Many of us think that cut is just the shape of the diamond. Although it is related to the shape of a diamond it is something more than that. Diamond cuts should always be given the top priority while buying a diamond. A wrong diamond cut can affect up to 50% of the diamond quality. If the diamond cut is not proper, then it will also effect the diamond clarity and the color of the diamond. You can take the help of diamond clarity ratings to identify the brilliance and durability of the diamond. If a diamond has the best color and clarity but not a good cut, it won't look beautiful. Given below is a brief information where you will find diamond cuts explained.

Diamond Cuts Explained
Diamond cut actually describes the dimensions or the proportions in which the diamond is cut. And that is why when you go to buy a diamond you see some figures in percentages that are related to the cut of the diamond. These dimensions include the depth, width and the uniformness of all the facets of the diamond. Diamond cut explains the symmetry by which the diamond is cut. This symmetry determines the way the light rays will react once they pass through the diamond. Thus, if the symmetry and proportion of the diamond cut is ideal, it will give good reflection and the diamond gets a sparkling look. Poorly cut diamonds lack that sparkle and good reflection of light.

Read more on:

• 4 Cs of Diamonds: Cut, Clarity, Color, Carat
• Diamonds: What are Certified Diamonds

As mentioned earlier, depth and width are two important factors of a diamond cut. If depth of a diamond is too much, then it will result in a diamond that gives dark shaded areas when viewed through it's table. Table is the flat top region of the diamond. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides the ideal percentage range of the depth, the table and the percentage ratio of each of them to the width of the diamond. Hence, one should always purchase a diamond that is GIA certified. A good table cut is considered to be one which is 53 to 64 percent of the width, while a good depth is one which is 58 to 64 percent of the diamond width. Thus, you should go for a diamond which is certified as good with respect to both depth and table. Let us move on to different types of diamond cuts and shapes.

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• Diamond Cut Grade
• Diamond Grading System
• Diamond Grading Scales

Types of Diamond Cuts Explained
There are basically three types of diamond cuts. They are brilliant cuts, step cuts and mixed cuts. These types are further classified into other types of diamond cuts. A diamond cut can be shallow, deep or ideal. Diamonds with shallow cut do not reflect much light and look lifeless, while those with deep cut will look larger than their actual shape but will look dull and dark. An ideal cut as the name suggests is the one that reflects the light in an ideal way. It reflects the light at right angle and adds brightness, brilliance and luster to the diamond. Given below are some of the popular diamond cut styles.

• Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
• Princess Cut Diamonds
• Emerald Cut Diamonds
• Marquise Cut Diamonds
• Pear Shaped Cut Diamonds
• Oval Cut Diamonds
• Heart Shaped Cut Diamonds
• Asscher Cut Diamonds
• Cushion Cut Diamonds

The table given below lists the percentage depth and table that these diamond cuts should ideally have.

Diamond Cut	Table (%)	Depth (%)
Princess Cut	60-71	64-75
Emerald Cut	60-64	60-65
Oval cut	54-61	59-63
Pear Shaped Cut	54-61	59-63
Marquise Cut	54-61	59-63
Round Brilliant Cut	53-60	58-63

So, if you are planning to buy diamond jewelry, don't ignore the diamond cuts and the percentages related to it. Whenever you purchase a diamond, ask the retailer to provide you detailed information regarding diamond cuts and clarity. Try to make comparisons with other diamonds and make a good purchase. I hope the diamond cuts explained above has given you a brief idea on what exactly diamond cuts mean and how they affect the quality of the diamond.