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When shopping for a diamond, the cut is a crucial factor to consider. The way a diamond is cut (proportioned) influences its sparkle and fire, making it an essential aspect of diamond quality.
In this post, I will take a deep dive into the significance of diamond cut, empowering you to make informed decisions when selecting the perfect diamond for your engagement ring.
“If a diamond isn’t proportioned correctly,
you may end up with a diamond that doesn’t sparkle”
This diagram shows you why it’s important that your diamond be well-cut and proportioned.
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light slips out through the bottom, leaving the diamond looking dull overall. The diamond might look bigger than it is, which can be tempting, but it loses much of its shine. Sometimes, a shallow cut gives the diamond a glassy look, often called a “fish eye” in the trade.
A diamond cut too deep has a different problem. Light escapes out the sides, making a diamond look smaller than its true size. These deep cuts often make the diamond appear dark in the center, a look jewelers call a “nailhead.”
A diamond that is proportioned too shallow or too deep will not be attractive to look at.
When a diamond has poor proportions, only about 30 to 40 percent of light is reflected out of the top. Most of the light leaks out from the sides or the bottom, leaving the stone looking flat or dull. By contrast, a diamond with proper proportions reflects almost 90 percent of incoming light back through the top.
An ideally cut diamond creates a breathtaking display. Light pours in through the top, bounces around inside, and returns to your eyes in a burst of sparkle. The goal is simple—capture as much light as possible and reflect it back to where it can be seen and admired.
There are two main reasons a diamond with top-quality cut costs more than one that is poorly cut. First, a well-cut diamond shines brighter and looks more lively, instantly drawing attention. Second, the skill and time needed to shape a diamond with perfect angles and symmetry increase its value. That extra effort rewards you with a diamond that turns heads and holds its beauty over time.
