Types of Diamond Cuts : 1 of the 4Cs

Many people confuse types of diamond cuts with types of diamond shapes. The shape is the overall form of the stone while a diamond cut refers to how it is faceted (all the little bits that make up the shape) and the resulting brilliance and sparkle it has because of the way it's been cut.

The facets (flat surfaces) of the diamond are cut to make the best use of light. It is a diamond's cut that gives it that gorgeous sparkle. It is the cut that dictates how light enters and exists the diamond.

Regardless of the types of diamond cuts, any diamond cut has three qualities assigned to it: brilliance (which is a measure of all the light reflected from a diamond), fire (the way the light disperses into the colors of the spectrum), and sparkle which is most obvious when the diamond is move and those little flashes and glimmers tantalize the eye.

Let's first understand the anatomy of a cut diamond. The table is the flat top of the diamond which is part of the crown. The girdle is the 'ridge' where the angle changes on the cut and the pavilion starts. At the bottom is the cutlet.

Cut quality is often classified as: Ideal, Fine, Shallow or Deep.

In the illustration below you can see how light is reflected from a diamond and how the facets and proportions of the cut affect the results.

Types of Diamond Cuts :

Ideal cut diamonds - just as the name implies, this is the ideal cut. It has been cut to the correct proportions creating awe-inspiring brilliance and sparkle. Light is reflected back up through the crown.

Fine cut diamonds  - these are cut well but not perfectly. Much of the light will still be reflected properly. This is a great money saving option because you can reduce the cost of the diamond without having to sacrifice much in the way of cut quality.

Shallow cut diamonds - The pavilion (the bottom part of the diamond) is not long enough in this case. This cut will decrease the brilliance of the diamond, since light is getting lost through the bottom instead of being reflected back out through the top.

Deep cut diamonds - The opposite of shallow cut, here the pavilion is too long. Light will escape through the sides of the diamond, reducing the desired sparkle.

Engaging Tip: Since many buyers don't know their 4C's, and assume that the bigger the diamond, the better - diamond cutters can increase a diamond's carat weight with a deep cut diamond. Don't be an uneducated buyer - know that all 4Cs affect the quality of a diamond.

Now let's move on to the next of the 4Cs: Diamond Clarity.

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