Cut: Perhaps the Most Important of the 4 Cs

Cut

Many experts consider cut to be the most important of the 4 Cs. Even if a diamond is perfect in color and clarity, if the cut is poor, the diamond's ability to refract and reflect light is diminished and its brilliance is tarnished. In essence, a good cut brings out the sparkle in a diamond.

There are many factors to consider when looking at the cut of a diamond, starting with the depth of the cut. If a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, light will escape and its brilliance will be dulled. A cut that is too deep allows light to escape from the side of a diamond leaving all the proportions of the diamond dull. If the cut is too shallow, light is lost through the bottom of the diamond, which will leave the diamond lackluster.

The easiest way to determine good cut is to look at the symmetry of the cut by holding the diamond up to the light to see how it interacts with the light. Look for sparkle and the flashes of color that are "fire."

What Determines Symmetry?

When looking for symmetry, you should look at the following aspects of the diamond and consider the proportions:

• The width of the cut as measured at its widest point through the girdle
• The table of the cut, which is the largest facet of the diamond
• The crown of the cut, which is the section of the diamond's cut between the table and the girdle
• The pavilion of the cut, or the bottom part of the diamond that angles up to the girdle
• And the cutlet which is the bottom tip of the diamond (this portion may not be visible with the naked eye)

The polish of a diamond is also part of the cutting process. The grade of the polish is determined by the smoothness of the facets. If not polished properly the diamond will appear dull and lifeless. And never forget, when you wear diamonds, you are supposed to shine!