Clarity, color, carat, and cut, also known as the 4Cs, are what decide the quality of a diamond. Out of these four features, cut is a very important factor that effects the quality of a diamond to a large extent. There are several types of cuts, which are explained here.
Many of us think that cut is just the shape of the diamond. Although it is related to the shape of a diamond, it is something more than that. The cut should always be given the top priority while buying a diamond. A wrong cut can affect up to 50% of the quality, and even the clarity and the color of the diamond.
If a diamond has the best color and clarity, but not a good cut, it won't look beautiful. Here is brief information on the many types of diamond cuts.
What Does Diamond Cut Mean?
Diamond cut actually describes dimensions or the measures in which the diamond is cut.
That is why when you buy a diamond you see some figures in percentage that are related to the cut of the diamond. These include the depth, width, and the uniformness of all the facets.
The cut explains the symmetry by which the diamond is cut. This symmetry determines the way the light rays will react once they pass through the diamond. Thus, if the symmetry and proportion of the diamond cut is ideal, it will give good reflection and the diamond gets a sparkling look. Poorly cut diamonds lack that sparkle and good reflection of light.
As mentioned earlier, depth and width are two important factors of a diamond cut. If depth of a diamond is too much, then it will result in a diamond that gives dark shaded areas when viewed through its table (the flat top region of the diamond).
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides the ideal percentage range of the depth, the table, and the percentage ratio of each of them to the width of the diamond. Hence, one should always purchase a diamond that is GIA certified.
A good table cut is considered to be one which is 53% to 64% of the width, while a good depth is one which is 58% to 64% of the diamond width. Thus, you should go for a diamond which is certified as good with respect to both depth and table.
Types of Diamond Cuts
There are basically three types of diamond cuts. They are brilliant cuts, step cuts, and mixed cuts. These types are further classified into other types of diamond cuts. A diamond cut can be shallow, deep, or ideal.
Diamonds with a shallow cut do not reflect much light and look lifeless, while those with a deep cut will look larger than their actual shape, but will look dull and dark. An ideal cut, as the name suggests, is the one that reflects the light in ideally. It reflects the light at the right angles and adds brightness, brilliance, and luster to the diamond.
Given here are some of the popular diamond cut styles.
Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Princess Cut Diamonds
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Marquise Cut Diamonds
Pear Shaped Cut Diamonds
Oval Cut Diamonds
Heart Shaped Cut Diamonds
Asscher Cut Diamonds
Cushion Cut Diamonds
The table here lists the percentage depth and table that these diamond cuts should ideally have.
Diamond Cut
Table (%)
Depth (%)
Princess Cut
60-71
64-75
Emerald Cut
60-64
60-65
Oval cut
54-61
59-63
Pear Shaped Cut
54-61
59-63
Marquise Cut
54-61
59-63
Round Brilliant Cut
53-60
58-63
So, if you are planning to buy diamond jewelry, don't ignore the cut and the percentages related to it. Whenever you purchase a diamond, ask the retailer to provide you detailed information regarding the cut and clarity. Try to make comparisons with other diamonds, and make a good purchase. All the best!