What Does ‘Diamond Cut’ Mean?

When most people hear “diamond cut,” shapes like ovals and hearts come to mind. But contrary to popular belief, the Cut Of A Diamond doesn’t necessarily refer to its geometric figure.

If you plan to Sell Your Diamond, it helps to know what diamond cut means. This will give you an idea of what to expect when it’s time to get an appraisal.

Why Diamond Cut Is So Important

Diamond cut is one of the 4Cs of diamond quality, the four main traits of a diamond’s structure. The 4Cs was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and is a method used around the world.

With the 4Cs, diamond quality can be described with a common language. It also informs the value of a diamond, which is crucial when buying or Selling A Diamond.

The other 4Cs include color, Clarity, and carat weight. However, out of all the 4Cs, diamond cut is the most complex.  

What Does Diamond Cut Mean?

The cut of a diamond refers to the way a diamond’s facets transmit light. This is influenced by the proportions and symmetry of said facets, along with structural features like crown angle, girdle thickness, and table size. (More on that later.)

A diamond’s cut is what makes it so beautiful and appealing. Specifically, this includes its:

  • Brightness. Also known as brilliance, brightness is the white light that’s reflected from a stone.
  • Fire. This refers to the tiny, colorful rainbows scattered in a diamond.  
  • Scintillation. Scintillation is the diamond’s sparkle. It also includes the light and dark parts of a diamond, which are created by the stone’s interior reflections.

Diamond-Cut Proportions

To determine the cut of a diamond, gemologists analyze the stone’s different proportions. A diamond’s most noteworthy parts include:

  • Girdle: Outermost edge, which is described in terms of thickness and impacts its durability
  • Table: Top of the diamond, the largest facet
  • Crown: Area between the girdle and table
  • Culet: Point or facet at the bottom of the stone
  • Pavilion depth: Area between from bottom girdle to the culet, which impacts where light is directed (through the crown or outward)

Together, the proportions of these parts influence the diamond’s overall beauty, desirability, and value.

How Is Diamond Cut Graded?

Diamond grades are determined by calculating the above proportions. Depending on the results, the stone will be graded as:

  • Excellent
  • Very good
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Poor

No Matter The Cut, Sell Your Diamond To Southwest Jewelry Buyers

You can sell any type of diamond cuts to Southwest Jewelry Buyers. This includes everything from popular cuts (like Round Cut Diamonds) to more unique cuts (like baguette cuts).

Our team of GIA-certified gemologists can explain what diamond cut means and how it affects your stone’s value. We can also decipher other details on your Diamond Certificate if you already have one on hand.

And if not? Don’t worry—we’re happy to help you with the certification process.

When you’re ready to sell your precious gem, we invite you to Fill Out Our Online Form or call at (480) 773-8004.