Diamond Cut

Cut is considered by many to be the most important "C". Only when precisely calculated planes and angles are used, does the stone achieve its greatest possible beauty. A badly cut diamond, no matter how good its color and clarity will not match the fire and brilliance of a better-cut diamond with comparatively lower color and clarity.

View Diamond Parts in more detail.

Experts express differing opinions on the best table size (the diameter of the largest facet on the top of the stone) and the best depth for a diamond, because these factors alone are not sufficient to accurately judge its cut.

Other factors - crown angle, girdle thickness, pavilion depth-percentage (the ratio of depth to girdle diameter), culet size, polish and symmetry - also play a role in judging a diamond's overall cut quality.

Light Emission

A well-cut diamond will reflect most of the light back to the observer's eye. A poorly cut diamond will reflect only a small proportion of the light that enters it.


Well cut diamond - most light is reflected back to the observer.	Cut too deep; pavilion is too thick - most light is lost through the side of the stone.	Cut too shallow; pavilion too flat - most light is lost through the bottom of the stone.
Light source and travel path of the majority of light
Less intense refracted light