Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond has the biggest affect on its sparkle, also called brilliance. Even with perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull.

The most popular cut of diamond is the round brilliant (a.k.a. the Round Cut, American Ideal Cut, or American Standard Cut.)

7 out of 10 diamond purchases are for round diamonds.

Why? Sparkle!

The light goes in through the flat surface on the top and bounces around through the sides. This catches the eye and the envy factor goes up. Her friends, mother and any other female relatives will notice. Your approval rating goes up!

	Ideal cut: Represents roughly the top 3% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond. An exquisite and rare cut.
	Very good cut: Represents roughly the top 15% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.
	Good cut: Represents roughly the top 25% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects most light that enters. Much less expensive than a very good cut.
	Fair cut: Represents roughly the top 35% of diamond quality based on cut. Still a quality diamond, but a fair cut will not be as brilliant as a good cut.
	Poor cut: This includes all diamonds that do not meet the performance standards of a fair cut. These diamonds are generally deep and narrow or shallow and wide and tend to lose most of the light out the sides and bottom.

Of course there are other shapes of diamonds besides round: Oval, Princess, Emerald, Radiant, Heart, Marquise, and Pear.

carat4her.com diamond picture

These cuts are not as popular for diamond engagement ring choices as the Round Brilliant. You may be able to buy a better quality, higher carat for the same as a smaller round brilliant diamond.

May we also suggest: