THE PROBLEM WITH CUT

Cut is such a complex topic.

Sure it has crown and pavilion angles, width and depth percentages, table thickness, culet size and so forth…

But what makes cut even more confusing…

The terminology of cut:

It’s hard to explain and even harder to grasp. Especially since most people think that cut is just the shape or name of the stone; brilliant cut, princess cut, cushion cut, radiant cut…

So most people automatically assume that’s what cut is, and move on.

And then you see stores pull out these fancy little cut guides which show 3 different diamonds like this:

They lead you to believe that there are only 3 ways to cut a diamond, and “Ideal cut diamonds” are the best (also meaning buy theirs, even though they won’t explain what ideal is, or what the actual cut grade is.

Am I right?

And then some stores even call cut the shape “ROUND“.

Round is not a cut. Just like rectangle, triangle, heart, teardrop. Those are shapes.

So what is cut?

Cut (of the 4 C’s) is referring to the way the diamond is faceted and proportioned. How it all fits together to maximize brilliance, light and reflection; LIFE.

Cut is actually a CUT GRADE.

There are 5 cut grades in all (GIA), they are; Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.
“Excellent” is the best and really makes a diamond bling.

Compare cut grades below…

Cut grades are listed on a GIA diamond report:

That’s what cut means.

Cut should not be dismissed, passed over, devalued… Cut is the #1 thing that will make a diamond sparkle.

Which is HUGE!

So when you ask about “cut“, it’s a grade you’re looking for. Or truthfully, it’s a diamond that will knock her socks off. That’s what you really want. An “excellent grade” will give you that.

Color isn’t as important. As long as it’s not yellow you’ll be fine (stick with G-H or higher).

Clarity isn’t a big issue either. Stick with SI or better and you’ll have a great diamond, with no visible inclusions. Plus, SI clarity is a very affordable clarity and a wise choice since it looks just like a more expensive diamond.

Fixing the cut problem:

To fix cut confusion it would have to be one that the entire diamond industry adopts. They (we, jewelry stores) would have to stop using the word cut in cutting styles like brilliant cut, princess cut… And just refer to them as brilliant, princess, pear, cushion… Or call them actual shapes: brilliant shape, princess shape, pear shape…

Cutting out cut may be the solution

Maybe people wouldn’t get confused or mislead if we separated the terms? And then, maybe more people would understand cut and actually get a better cut (which you would if you saw the difference it made).

Cut does make all the difference in the world…

Just like these truly awesome True Hearts cut diamonds here:

True Hearts are the best cut diamonds in the World!

They are actually “triple excellent” diamonds that will outshine any diamond you’ll ever see.

It’s outstanding!

Enjoy the diamonds and cut grades, and never be confused again.

Cheers! :)