The 4C’s of a Diamond – Diamond Cut

When selecting diamonds for engagement rings or other types of jewellery, it’s essential to understand the key factors that determine a diamond’s quality and value. While every diamond is unique, sharing the same size, shape, cut, color, and clarity, each stone has distinct characteristics. Here, we’ll delve into the first of the 4C’s of diamonds: The Diamond Cut.

Understanding Diamond Cut

Cut vs. Shape

A diamond’s cut should not be confused with its shape. Diamonds come in various shapes, with the round brilliant cut being the most sought after. Any shape other than round brilliant is referred to as a fancy shape. Fancy shapes include princess, cushion, radiant, emerald, square emerald, oval, marquise, and heart shapes.

The round brilliant cut is the only shape with a cut grade. Fancy shapes do not have cut grades as each has unique proportions in length, width, and depth. Evaluating fancy cuts involves comparing similar shapes to identify the one with the best brilliance and scintillation.

Importance of Diamond Cut

The skill of a diamond cutter lies in maximizing a diamond’s sparkle and scintillation. Among the 4Cs, the cut is often considered the most crucial as it enhances the diamond’s brightness and fire. A well-cut diamond will reflect light in a way that maximizes its beauty and brilliance.

Diamond Cut Grading System

Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds

The round brilliant cut has a specific grading system that ranges from Excellent to Poor. At MDTdesign, we primarily work with Excellent cut diamonds. When we meet with clients, we compare different stones to demonstrate how the Excellent cut grade affects the diamond’s luster compared to a Very Good cut diamond.

Fancy Cut Diamonds -Anything Other Than A Round Diamond

Fancy cut diamonds, such as princess, cushion, emerald, pear, or Asscher cut, lack a standardized cut grade. Instead, they are evaluated based on polish and symmetry, which do not directly indicate a diamond’s brightness. Therefore, selecting fancy cut diamonds requires extra scrutiny to ensure they meet high standards for brilliance and sparkle.

Expert Diamond Selection Process

Certified Diamond Graders

At MDTdesign, our in-house certified diamond graders hand-select every stone for our inventory. They ensure that each diamond meets the highest quality standards. For fancy cut diamonds, our graders pay special attention to ensure that each stone displays exceptional brightness and scintillation.

Diamond Education For Clients

We believe in educating our clients about the differences between cut grades and how they impact a diamond’s overall appearance. By showing various stones and explaining their characteristics, we help clients make informed decisions about their diamond purchases.

Conclusion

The cut of a diamond plays a pivotal role in its overall appearance and value. Whether you’re choosing a round brilliant or a fancy cut diamond, understanding the intricacies of diamond cuts can help you select the perfect stone that combines beauty and brilliance. At MDTdesign, we are committed to providing high-quality diamonds that meet rigorous standards, ensuring that every piece of jewelry we create is truly exceptional.