Diamond Cuts

Diamond shapes refer to their outward geometric appearance, while diamond cuts show the diamond proportions and attributes. Let us briefly discuss them.

Properties of a Diamond Cut

A diamond is mainly composed of the following parts:

• Diamond Table – The flat surface of the diamond’s top.
• Crown – The part directly below the table and above the girdle.
• Girdle – The outer edge of the diamond, directly under the crown.
• Pavilion – This connects the culet and girdle and highlights the light reflecting properties.
• Culet – The smallest facet at the bottom.

Diamond-Cut Grade

The GIA is an independent organization that developed the GIA diamond cut grading scale. It is used to indicate a diamond’s overall quality. Additional standards consider their carat weight. One carat equals 0.200 grams.

• Poor – No brilliance, fire, or sparkle since light escapes through the sides and the bottom.
• Fair – Shows only slight brilliance with light escaping through the sides and bottom.
• Good Cut: Good sparkle as the table reflects most of the light.
• Very Good – Exceptional fire and brilliance.
• Excellent Cut – Has the highest brilliance level because all light is reflected with glowing sparkle.

Aside from GIA grading, there is also the American Gem Society (AGS) grading report. It is the same grade scale with ideal cut diamonds on top.

Comparing Diamond Cuts

There are different diamond cuts:

Rose Cut Diamond vs. Brilliant Cut

The rose quartz has a kite or dome-like shape and a flat bottom. On the other hand, the brilliant cut has multiple facets, so it has greater sparkle. Both can be round, pear, or oval.

Brilliant Cut vs. Ideal Cut

An ideal cut is also a princess cut with more ideal proportions and angles. It is usually a combination of brilliant diamond and other cuts.

Step Cut vs. Brilliant Cut

What is a step cut diamond? Step cut diamonds have a rectangle or square shape with a parallel surface that produces flashes like steps. Compared to its simplistic cuts, it is the brilliant cut diamond facets that reach fifty-eight angles for more shine and brilliance.

Emerald vs. Round Cut

Emerald uses step cut on the corners, while the round cut is a brilliant cut diamond. The main difference is the shape and the number of facets, with round cuts having more angles.

Oval Brilliant vs. Oval Modern

Both are used for engagement ring designs like the Blue Nile offers. Oval brilliant is an older cut, while the modern is another style of the oval brilliant. They can be shallow cut oval diamonds.
Other cuts include:

August Vintage Round

An antique cut with less brilliance but emits a subtle and romantic glow.

Canadian Cut

A Canadian cut diamond ring can be of any diamond cut; however, the diamond must be from Canada.

Crown of Light

Crown of light diamond facets includes ninety angles that offer the highest sparkle. It is primarily for fancy shaped diamonds.

Takeaway

Many kinds of diamond cuts can affect clarity grade and sparkle. But it is still best to consider colour and clarity to know which diamond cut is best.