The cut of a diamond is the single most significant factor in determining its overall beauty. Because the cut is the only manmade quality, it is also the most complicated. The term “cut” actually refers to two different things: the stone’s shape and its quality.
You’re probably familiar with at least a few of the more popular shapes, the top-selling being the round brilliant.
via zales.com
The tricky part comes with the quality of the cut. Proportion, symmetry and polish are key to a high-quality diamond. This directly affects how well the stone will interact with light, aka the sparkle factor.
A diamond that is well-cut will reflect light off of precise angles and disperse it back through the top. If it’s cut too deep or too shallow, the light will escape through the bottom of the stone.
And there you have the basics of the first C. Stay tuned for the next three coming your way this week!
