Very Good Cut Diamonds: The Next Best Thing

The next best cut on the list is the Very Good Cut diamond grade. Continuing our discussion on diamond cuts, which make up one of the 4Cs of diamond quality. As we engaged in our discussion of the Excellent cut, the term cut is one of the more confusing terms in the world of diamond quality measurement but remains one of the most significant.

In this Education page, we will break down the key features of Very Good Cut diamonds: what makes them different? Why are they among the most valued diamond cuts? And how they differ from other diamond cuts in this range, notably the Excellent cut. But before we start, a quick overview of the term ‘cut’ is worth considering.

What is Meant by ‘Cut’ in Diamonds

When one speaks of the 4Cs, the main distinguishing features of a diamond’s colour, carat, and clarity seem rather straightforward. The corresponding elements of what determines a diamond’s colour quality (D – Z scale); Carat (the weight to size ratio); and Clarity (IF – I level of inclusions) are well laid out.

When it comes to diamond cuts however there are a few confusions when it comes to how the term is even understood. For starters, in the world of diamond gemstones, notably among content sources that deal with information on diamonds, purchasing guides and so on, the term ‘cut’ is often applied in relation to the specific shape of the stone. Popular diamond cuts such as princess cuts, cushion cuts, and emerald cuts are technically diamond shapes, not cuts.

Further, there is the added confusion that stems from the type of faceting the gemstone has been subjected to. In the world of diamonds, the most popular type of faceting that they are subjected to is the brilliant type. There is also the step and mixed type faceting which is more popular in the world of coloured gemstones like sapphires.

However, as a habit of usage, the term ‘cut’ has also come to be associated with these various faceting types. This is a not-correct application of the term. However, a number of top jewellery blogs and other online sources continue to use them. So you as an informed diamond jewellery buyer need to be aware of these differences.

Factors that affect the Quality of the Diamond Cut

When it comes to diamond cutting the factors that are associated with it are predominantly a function of the diamond cutter and jewellery company that are involved in its making. Since the other three diamond quality factors like colour, and clarity are greatly dependent on the intrinsic qualities of the diamond. Such as how the gemstone is found in the natural world. When it comes to the quality of the cut, it depends on the skill and knowledgeability of those involved in taking the rough stone cutting it and polishing it and making it a gemstone quality stone.

Thus when it comes to the diamond cut, the factors that are measured are based primarily on the expertise of the cut. Measuring the carbon-based gemstones for:

  • Table, width and depth

  • Diamond’s faceting and mirrors

  • Brilliance

  • Weight ratio or distribution

  • Fire

  • Scintillation

  • Polishing

Each of these factors together is measured in assessing the final quality of a diamond. The rule of thumb in the diamond industry is how well a diamond score for each of these factors, affects the quality of the cut. With Very Good diamonds it must score a ‘Very Good’ assessment for all factors, with the exception of polish and symmetry (as these areas are more forgiving)

A point worth considering is that in the world of diamond quality, the cut of the stone is arguably the most significant. Other factors that determine diamond quality are a given, and with gemstone quality of the diamond is evoked by the skill of the jeweller. And the elements of colour, clarity and carat will go nowhere without the appropriate enhancements that are applied to the areas that are measured via the carat of the diamond.

Meaning of ‘Cut’ in Very Good Cut Diamonds?

So when it comes to Very Good diamond cuts or any other top cuts that make up the Cut-quality factor, what we are looking at the diamond’s overall quality by measuring its symmetry, its proportions, the quality of the polish and the depth of the stone. We will get into these factors below. For now, the reader needs to understand, that when it comes to Very Good cut diamonds, these quality factors are showcased at an optimal level, coming only a slight step below the Excellent grade, and is generally considered a solid option.

In the world of diamond jewellery, the two most popular cuts are the Excellent and Very Good Cuts. And understandably a majority of the diamonds that are available in the market fall under the Excellent and Very Good range, as one can afford to compromise in other areas of diamond quality, but not the cut.

Diamond jewellery buyers, at this point, will be wondering what exactly sets the Very Good cut diamond from the Excellent cut diamond. Simply, the main difference is that Excellent cut diamonds reflect all of the light that hits the table. Whereas the Very Good cut diamond reflects most of the light.

In addition, Excellent cut diamond showcases the highest level of brilliance, scintillation and fire. With Very Good cut diamonds these very same factors are showcased at an optimal level but slightly less prominently than with Excellent cut diamonds.

Choosing Between Very Good and Excellent Cut Diamonds

For those who are curious to know what is meant by Scintillation, fire and brilliance in relation to diamond cuts, we will recommend you take a look at our analysis of Excellent cut diamonds. For those who are looking for a quick response to the question what should I choose? The simple answer is that Excellent cuts are the top variant in the diamond industry, and also among the most dominant in terms of accessibility. GIA reports somewhere around 55 per cent of diamonds in the market are of Excellent variety. However, there is some confusion on what percentage of this number actually hits all the high points that determine the standard of Excellent cut diamonds.

In practice however the Excellent is a good choice, however for price competitive buyers, the Very Good cut is a very good choice, since it is comparatively cheaper, and features much of the core strengths of Excellent cut diamonds. For example, if you compare Excellent cut diamonds to Very Good diamonds point for point, whilst all other factors being equal, Very Good cut diamonds for a 1.00 carat round brilliant faceted diamond in the VS1 clarity for H colour, will be around $ 600 – 700 lesser.

Overall the Very Good Diamond cut is a solid choice, however, some sacrifice might have to be made for the sparkle of the gemstone.