Diamond Cut
Key Points
- Of the 4Cs, cut is the most important characteristic because it has the greatest influence on a diamond's sparkle. Simply put, the better the cut grade, the more it will sparkle.
- Even if a diamond has a perfect clarity and color grade, if it has a poor cut, it may appear dull.
- Gemologists recommend choosing the highest cut grade within your budget. Very Good or better, if possible.
A diamond's cut grade is an objective measure of a diamond's light performance, or, what we generally think of as sparkle. When a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond (which gemologists refer to as the table). If it is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom; too deep and it escapes out of the side.