Excellent Cut Diamonds: The Best Diamond Cut

When it comes to measuring diamond quality there are a number of factors that people consider indispensable. In the industry diamond quality standards are determined by the 4Cs. The diamond quality measure, established by the GIA measures the four key factors of diamond quality: colour, clarity, cut, and carat.

On this Education page, we will be looking at the cut. A key variable and arguably one of the most significant in the list that jewellery makers like those who make engagement rings, and gemstone buyers use to determine the gemstone’s quality. And diamond cuts, like all of the other main quality factors, break down into a number of subcategories.

Here we will look at the topmost diamond cut: the Excellent cut. Learn what sets it apart from the rest, and why excellent cuts are the most valued in the world of diamond jewellery. But before we do that, we need to know what is meant by the term ‘cut’?

What Is it Meant by Diamond’s Cut?

Before we start our discussion of why excellent cut diamonds are best cut, there are a few things that need to be mentioned about the term ‘cut’. Which is arguably one of the most confusing terms in the gemstone world. These subjects will be engaged in more detail on a specific Education page, but here we will provide a quick overview of what is meant by the term.

First, the term cut refers to a specific type of modification that is made to the rough stone. The actual one in question is different from the two other types of changes that diamonds are subject to, which are often categorised under the heading of ‘cut’.

The first of these is the diamond shape. Diamond shapes such as princess, cushion, emerald, and trillion are specific shapes that are given to the stone that shape its outward character. And these diamond shapes are not unique to the world of diamonds. Next, we have the type of diamond faceting: which varies between brilliant or step. Brilliant faceting or “cut” is most popular in the world of diamonds, with step cutting or faceting being adopted in the world of coloured gemstones like sapphires.

For our discussion on diamond cuts, we are focusing on the correct application of the term: ‘cut’ which refers to the diamond’s proportions, its symmetry. The aim of the diamond cutting process is to ensure that the diamond’s proportions and symmetry are optimal in order, and this is an important part, to enhance the natural qualities of a cut, polished diamond.

These are a diamond's: scintillation, brilliance and fire. To understand the significance of these, we will look at the character of Excellent cut diamonds.

What is an Excellent Cut Diamond?

Put it simply, an Excellent diamond is a polished, cut carbon-based gemstone that features optimal fire, scintillation, and brilliance and standards apart from other diamond cuts. A key factor that sets apart Excellent cut diamonds is their supreme reflectivity. According to the GIA, the official diamond grading authority that established this standard, an Excellent cut diamond will reflect all of the light that falls on the stone. Since a gemstone’s reflectivity is a key determinant of its glow and overall beauty, the Excellent cut diamond is a top choice in this regard.

 When it comes to the diamond's cut it is important to consider the role of the diamond’s shape. Notably, the only two diamond shapes that are only considered under the diamond cut grading are the round and princess cuts or shapes. Generally, when diamond cut classification is considered, what is often referred to are round brilliant cut or princess (brilliant) cut diamonds, or sometimes round cushion cut. None of the fancy shapes is considered.

Now the reader might have something of an understanding of what we are talking about under the heading Excellent cut diamonds.

Measuring the Quality in Excellent Cut Diamonds

When it comes to diamonds and their perceived value in the market place the key determinant is how the stone-and here we are talking specifically about cut diamonds, not the rough ones-interact with light. The relationship between the light that falls on the hardened carbon and the kind of reactions it produces are key elements in diamond quality, and the cut of the stone determines much of it.

The three key factors in relation to light that affect diamond quality as noted, are its fire, scintillation and brilliance. These are important concepts which we have dealt with in dedicated Education pages, for now here is a quick summary:

• The Fire of stones determines the colours that are produced when the stone is exposed to a light source. Also known as dispersion it is an important diamond quality factor.

• Scintillation refers to the classic twinkle-like flashes that diamonds have come to be known for. As diamonds are moving under a light source these flashes spring up beautifully and are greatly a function of the quality of the faceting. With round cut stones being the best.

• Brilliance is the distinct white light that emanates from the diamond and is a key feature that is greatly impacted by the quality of the cut.

In addition to these, there are other four other factors: weight ratio, polish and symmetry. All of these factors together help determine the cut quality of diamonds.

When it comes to each of these quality factors, Excellent cut stones feature them most strongly. And when picking an Excellent cut diamond it is important to test the stone under different lighting conditions. As we outline in the next section, not all Excellent cut diamonds are made equal. In addition to relatively weaker stones, the quality of stone in terms of cut is greatly impacted by the other Cs that make up the 4Cs.

GIA Cut Quality Factors

When it comes to determining the individual quality of the cut diamond there are two main factors that contribute to them. The core quality of the diamond: its natural colour, clarity (or absence of inclusions), size, and the quality of the diamond cutting and crafting process. The expertise of the diamond jeweller will affect the diamond measures that were listed above. Determining if a diamond stone is of an Excellent cut.

As a word of advise, when seeking an Excellent cut diamond make sure to test it under direct sunlight and incandescent light. The jewellery store look at times can be deceiving. If you are unsure about the diamond you are looking for, get in touch with us. We at Brilliyond trade in authentic GIA quality diamonds with live gemstone viewing services.

Excellent Cut vs Ideal Cut

Now, this might be a secondary consideration, but those who are in the market looking to purchase a top quality Excellent cut diamond ring, or who wish to learn more about them, might get confused by the prevalence of this another standard for measuring diamond cutting: Ideal cuts. Ideal cuts are the industry equivalent of Excellent cuts, however, they differences in a number of ways.

First, the Excellent cut is a standard established by the GIA. The Gemological Institute of America is based in the United States. The Ideal cut is a standard that is set by AGS: The American Gem Society. Which is slightly newer but has established itself as another prominent authority in diamond quality and standards, and grew to greater prominence in the mid-90s industry. Known for its sophisticated Performance-Based Cut Grading System, the AGS uses advanced tech and programmes to model and measure the quality of each and every diamond.

When it comes to picking between the two, there is very little to choose from. However, a notable difference is that the GIA categorizes a larger portion of diamonds in the market under the Excellent group: around 55 per cent. However, according to diamond industry experts, such stones need to be subject to further review.

With AGS, the Ideal Cut diamond range, whilst equitable to Excellent cuts in terms of quality, breaks down into two subcategories: AGS0 and AGS1. Ideal cut diamonds that fall into the AGS0 are naturally better and make up a smaller portion. In sum, buyers who are looking for an Excellent cut are advised to research a solid GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond, and then have it checked by a reputed diamond or diamond jewellery company.