DIAMOND EDUCATION · THE FOUR C'S
Understanding Diamond Cut
Not to be mistaken with shape, a diamond's cut governs how well it returns light, and ultimately how brightly it sparkles.
The Principles of Light
The Soul of Sparkle: From the Heavens to the Earth
The cut is the single most critical factor determining a diamond's visual presence. Even with perfect clarity and color, a poorly cut diamond will appear dull and lifeless. A masterfully cut diamond, however, releases light in three distinctive ways:
Brilliance is the bright white light reflected out of the diamond. Fire is the dispersion of light into a spectrum of bright colors (reds, blues, and oranges). Scintillation is the sparkle produced when the stone moves, creating a balanced flash of dark and light facets.
Light Comparison
The GIA Cut Grading Scale
How a diamond's cut depth affects light loss. A shallower or deeper cut lets light leak out of the sides, while an ideal cut bounces light back to your eye.
Good Cut
Slight light leakage. Deep or shallow proportions mean reduced sparkle.
Very Good Cut
Reflects most light. Offers beautiful brilliance at a competitive price.
Excellent / Ideal Cut
Flawless light return. Perfect angles bounce maximum scintillation back to the eye.
Expert Advice
Selecting the Ideal Cut
Every diamond is graded on its cut quality, ranging from Excellent to Poor. The higher the cut grade, the more fire and brilliance the diamond returns.
-
01
Prioritise Cut Over Carat
A well-cut diamond returns more light than a larger, poorly cut one. Saving on cut grade usually means paying with a stone that lacks sparkle and lustre.
-
02
Aim for Excellent or Very Good
These grades reflect the most light back to the eye. Good cuts can offer value, but deep or shallow proportions let light leak and reduce sparkle.
-
03
Cut Is Not Shape
Shape describes a diamond's outline; cut describes how precisely its facets are angled and proportioned. A round brilliant has 57 or 58 facets, each one shaping its sparkle.
-
04
Watch the Spread
Poorly cut diamonds carry weight in their depth, giving a smaller face-up spread for your chosen carat weight.
See For Yourself
Visit one of our Showrooms
We have locations across the UK & Ireland
London, Birmingham, Belfast, Dublin, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Bristol, Norwich, Guildford, Chelmsford, Southampton, Liverpool, Maidstone
Get Creative
Start Creating with Ring Builder
Our online Ring Builder something something
Build your ring your way, choose any diamond, band design and metal and discover your perfect combination!
