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[Before
the 4 c's] [Color]
[Clarity]
[Cut]
[Carat]
[Care]
 |
The cut or "make" of a
stone is one of the most
important of all diamond
characteristics because
it determines its
brilliance. Of the Four
Cs, it is the only value
factor that is a result
of human skill. It
refers to the angles and
proportion of a diamond,
as well as its polish
and precision of
faceting. Often the cut
of a diamond is
mistakenly referred to
as the shape (round,
pear, oval, etc.) of the
stone.
Well-cut diamonds can
reflect light like a
mirror from one facet to
another and disperse and
reflect this light
through the top of the
stone. A well-cut
diamond will be
symmetrically round,
proper depth and width,
and have uniformity of
the facets. These
features will result in
optimal radiance. On a
classic round
brilliant-cut diamond,
for example, 57 or 58
facets must be precisely
aligned so light will
enter the diamond and
reflect back through the
large top facet, or
table of the diamond.
Diamonds that are cut
either too deep or too
shallow can lose light
through the sides and
bottom and will be less
brilliant, and
ultimately of less
value.
The universal cut
grading scale, as
defined by the American
Gem Society Laboratories
(AGSL), is outlined
below. Currently, only
round diamonds are
graded. Angel Diamond
carries no diamond below
the cut grade of Good.
IDEAL CUT:
Perfectly proportioned
with the highest grade
of polish and symmetry.
This grade of diamond
reflects virtually all
light that enters it.
They are the most
brilliant, rare and
expensive diamonds.
EXCELLENT CUT:
Proportioned to fit
strict requirements for
table and depth
percentage. This grade
of diamond reflects
almost all light but
less than the ideal cut.
They are quite rare and
very expensive.
VERY GOOD CUT:
Proportioned to reflect
much of the light that
enters. This is a high
quality, moderately
priced diamond.
GOOD CUT:
Proportioned to reflect
most light that enters.
These are considerable
value, quality diamonds.
FAIR CUT:
Disproportioned but
allows some to be
reflected. Angel Diamond
does not carry this
grade of diamond.
POOR CUT:
Disproportioned so that
most light entering is
lost out of its sides
and bottom. Angel
Diamond does not carry
this grade of diamond.
Important
characteristics of a
diamond cut are
described below. Some
diamond cutters will
compromise on the cut of
the diamond in an
attempt to optimize a
diamond’s weight
(carat). This can result
is a larger diamond with
a duller appearance. If
all other things are
equals (carat, color,
clarity), there can be
as much as a 50%
variation in the cost of
a diamond if the cut is
of poor quality.
TABLE SIZE %: The
table length relative to
diameter of diamond. A
table that is too large
or too small will reduce
the overall dispersion
of a diamond's
brilliance.
CROWN ANGLE:
Angle between bezel
facets and girdle. Crown
% is a measurement that
relates the depth of the
crown to the diamond's
overall depth.
GIRDLE THICKNESS:
Ranges from extremely
thin to extremely thick
(assessed visually).
Extremely thin or
extremely thick girdles
are less desirable than
more moderate girdles.
DEPTH %:
Measurement of the
distance from the table
to the culet
(bottom-most point). A
depth that is too
shallow or too deep will
allow light to escape
through the bottom of
the stone, reducing the
stone's overall fire and
brilliance.
CULET SIZE:
Ranges from pointed to
extremely large
(assessed visually).
Unless the culet is
abnormally large, it
generally has no impact
on the value of a
diamond.
SYMMETRY: Refers
to the overall
uniformity of the cut of
a diamond and is graded
poor to excellent.
Symmetry is based on the
diamond's proportions,
the relation of one
facet to another. A
diamond with good
symmetry can be more
attractive than a less
symmetrical stone.
Stones with poor
symmetry can actually
appear off-centered.
POLISH: The
overall quality and
uniformity of the polish
of a diamond. It is
graded poor to excellent
based on the final
finish applied to the
facets and facet
junctures by the cutter.
Well-polished diamonds
permit maximum passage
of light and prevent
potentially streaky
surfaces.
[Before
the 4 c's] [Color]
[Clarity]
[Cut]
[Carat]
[Care] |
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