What Determines a Poor Cut Diamond?

The answer is pretty simple actually: they are at the bottom of the pile in the diamond cut grade. In the five grades that are used to classify diamond grades poor cut diamonds are the worst. Sounds simple enough.

Though that would not suffice for a serious Education page such as this. So which is what we are going to do. Here we will explain what a Poor cut diamond is. What makes them different? And who is it for? Before we start, as usual, in our discussion of the diamond clarity grade, a quick overview of what is meant by diamond cuts is needed.

What is Meant by Diamond Cut?

Diamond cuts make up one of the four key factors that make up the 4Cs of diamonds. The 4Cs that make up the diamond are clarity, carat, colour and carat. The carat is arguably the most important factor as it pertains to the design and craftsmanship that goes into shaping what begins as a rough stone in a wonderful diamond.

When it comes to the diamond cut the first thing to bear in mind is to clear out some of the confusion that surrounds it. The first point to note is what is meant by the term diamond cut. Generally, the term cut in the world of diamond and diamond jewellery has come to be associated with the diamond's shape. Which are popular shapes such as the princess cut, cushion cut, emerald cut, trillion cut etc. As the reader can see the term cut appears to follow the description of the particular gemstone’s shape, not the Cut.

This is an important distinction that people tend to miss. Though one cannot be blamed for doing so, since the term ‘cut’ has through general use, come to be associated with the diamond’s shape. However, the correct understanding of the term ‘cut’ as we shall see pertains to the distinct proportions, symmetry and other diamond quality factors which are taken together as a diamond quality measure.

The point of consideration is the association of the term cut with the kind of faceting that the diamond is subjected to. Now interestingly, it is important to note that the type and the quality of the faceting the gemstone are subjected to also factors in the cut of the stone. However, the faceting itself divides into three main types: brilliant, step and mixed. In the industry, each of these faceting types is understood under the heading of ‘cut’. This whilst understandable is not the best descriptive term.

Diamond Cut Quality Factors

If you have read any of our other Education pages on the subject of diamond cuts you will know that in explaining what defines a diamond as a specific cut, we break down the key elements that are used to determine the quality of a diamond cut. We will briefly do so, as a stepping stone to determining what makes a Poor cut diamond.

There are seven key factors that are used to determine the quality of a diamond cut. Seven factors, some of which contain a number of sub-components, measure numerous factors that pertain to the overall cut of the diamond. These are:

• Brilliance or brightness.

• Fire or the rays of visible colour

• Scintillation.

• Weight ratio.

• Durability.

• Polish.

• Symmetry. 

Each of these factors corresponds to other elements that together correspond to the overall quality of the gemstone. Which is dependent on how well the stone interacts with light. This is the key consideration for any diamond or gemstone cutter. However, in the case of carbon-based gemstones like the colourless diamond we are talking about here, the capacity of the stone to interact with light in an optimal fashion is of great importance.

When it comes to Poor cut diamonds, the main to consider is that these gemstones score poorly across the board when it comes to most or all of the factors. When it comes to top jewellery quality gemstones this is generally not acceptable. However, the reader might be wondering, how exactly Poor cut diamonds differ from better-cut diamonds with respect to these quality factors. Which we shall engage in the next section.

What Sets the Poor Cut Diamonds Apart?

Each of the qualities factors listed above, such as brilliance, scintillation and fire have a certain kind of effect on the diamond's interactions with light: From the basic ability of the diamond to reflect light, which is the factor that is measured by the brilliance of the gemstone, to the durability of the stone, which also has an effect on the cut. Durability might sound like a confusing point since diamonds is naturally are immensely durable.

However, durability in this context refers to the internal integrity of the stone, which interestingly corresponds to the type and number of inclusions. If you have read our Education page on Diamond inclusions, you will know that the greater presence of such inclusions will not only affect the internal clarity of the stone, but also its integrity if they become too prevalent. When it comes to poor cut gemstones, these already existing shortfalls affect the ability to produce a solidly cut diamond.

With the aim to avoid such inclusions and other inconsistencies, diamond cutter tries to make adjustments to how they go about cutting the stone. This results in the (Poor) diamond in question featuring steeper crowns and/or steep pavilion angles, which in addition to contributing to less light reflectivity at the top of the stone. And when it comes to deep cut stones, which tend to make up gemstones in the Poor and to some extent Fair cut diamonds range, it makes them seem unduly small in relation to the carat weight of the stone.

Should you Opt for Poor Cut Diamonds?

The simple answer to this question is: No. As top diamond jewellery experts have stated, the Cut of the diamond is one of the most important factors that determine a gemstone’s quality. Unlike a diamond’s colour, clarity and maybe even carat, getting the Cut of the stone wrong will make for an overall poor quality diamond gemstone. When it comes to top jewellery like diamond engagement ring makes a poor choice. Potential diamond buyers are advised to stay away from such stones. Even if the price will be lower, it is not worth the investment.

At best Poor cut diamonds can be used as gems for fashion accessories or as collector's items. If you are serious about diamond jewellery always aim for Good and above. Diamond cuts which we have engaged in our other Education pages so feel free to look around.