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On Your Engagement Ring
I have been an Engagement Ring Coach for more than 30 years and helpedmore than 10,000 couples with the most significant purchase they will ever make.
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10 Things Your Jeweler Will Never Tell You
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When shopping for a diamond, the cut is a crucial factor to consider. The way a diamond is cut directly 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.
“Get the diamond cut right or you may end up
with a diamond that doesn’t sparkle”
It happens all the time.
I meet wonderful couples who are intent on buying a diamond that is fiery and brilliant.
They have viewed many diamonds and talked with a number of people. I think that’s great,
but by the time they get to me, they are confused.
It’s not their fault.
Some of the diamonds they looked at were sparklers and some were dull and lifeless.
They wondered why there was such a difference and asked themselves – “How can I
be sure my diamond will sparkle once I leave the fancy lighting in the store?”
What makes a diamond sparkle?
This diagram will show you why it’s important that your diamond be well-cut and proportioned.
If a diamond is cut too shallow, much of the light leaks out of the bottom of the diamond. It may appear to look larger. You may think that is great, but much of the light will leak out the bottom instead of being reflected back to you. A diamond that is cut shallow sometimes may appear glassy like a “fish eye.” (that’s actually a jeweler’s term).
If a diamond is cut too deep, much of the light escapes out the sides of the diamond. It may appear to look smaller than it actually is. A diamond that is cut deep will appear darker than it should. Sometimes it may be called a “nailhead.” (another fancy jeweler term).
If a diamond is poorly proportioned, only a small amount (30-40%) of light will be reflected out through the top of the diamond. A diamond that is well-proportioned will reflect almost 90% of light.
A diamond that is cut ideally is spectacular. The light enters the top of the diamond and is reflected back to you to admire. Your goal is to have as much light reflected back to you. There are two reasons why a well-cut diamond warrants a premium and will be priced substantially higher than a diamond that is poorly cut.
First, fine cutting requires years of skill and experience and takes more time to cut. Second, there is a greater loss of the “rough” from which the diamond crystal that is being cut. It takes a three-carat rough to produce a well-proportioned one-carat diamond and it takes a two-carat rough to produce a poorly proportioned one-carat diamond.
