You may have read about the “Four Cs” of diamonds; cut, clarity, color, and carat. It may be while researching a nice diamond ring for that special someone. They are crucial if you want to know how to rate diamonds.
The cut quality is one aspect of human action that determines the diamond’s worth. So, gaining a clear idea of the diamond cut is crucial in making a purchase decision. But it can be tricky to grasp due to its complexity.
Also, a diamond may work at its peak and unleash its best extent for fire and glitter with the correct cutting. A diamond with its cut quality traded for carat weight will be less expensive.
For this reason, one should always consider how the gem’s cut affects value before buying a diamond ring or trying to sell the one you already own. So now the question is, how do diamond cuts hold their value?
So, it’s time to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of various diamond cuts. Also, learn how the market rates them. Read on.
How Important Is a Diamond Cut?
A diamond cut quality affects more than how it glitters. If a diamond has a poor cut, it will lose both its glitter and value.
The Gemological Institute of America has the finest diamond grading lab. They have also set standards to use in grading gems.
It is a four stages grading rule; Fair, good, very good, and excellent. Experts who agree with these rules can grade diamonds.
To support the cut quality is the shape of the diamond. Both work together to determine the diamond’s value.
Different Diamond Cuts
The gem’s beauty, appeal, and value are all impacted by variations in a diamond’s cut.
Here are some cuts with their value.
Round Cuts Diamonds
The most common diamond cut is the round cut. A report says the round cut diamond sold amounts to $27 billion worldwide.
Round cut diamonds hold a high value. The reason for their high value is the great amount of loss of the raw material during the cutting process.
Also, its level of demand increases the value in the market.
It is often used for engagement rings too.
So, if you want to surprise that special someone, check a ring size chart to get their size, then order a round cut diamond ring. It will give them a perfect look that will last through time.
But have in mind that it will cost you more than the others.
Here are key features of a round-cut diamond
- 58 facets
- Round, symmetrical shape
- Length-width ratio of 1-1.01
- Table % of 55-59
- Depth % of 60.1-62.6
- Thin to slightly thick girdle
- No culet
Princess Cut Diamond
In the realm of diamonds, princess-cut stones continue to rule. It is the second most popular cut after round cut. It is a square cut diamond that includes princess diamonds too. It sometimes looks like an inverted pyramid with a square surface.
Due to its unique designs, it offers similar glitter to the round cut at a far lower price range. It is a result of lesser raw gems wasted during the cutting process.
The princess cut is a great option if you want a large diamond but don’t want to spend much on a round cut.
Here are the key features of a princess-cut diamond.
- 50-58 facets
- Inverted pyramid with square surface
- Length-width ratio of 1.00-1.04
- Table % of 67-72
- Depth 64-75
- Thin to slightly thick girdle
- No culet
Cushion Cut Diamond
Once called “mine cut,” it is a cut of square shape with round corners, like a pillow hence the name cushion. It has several versions depending on how they disperse light. Also, how well dispersed light produces a fantastic amount of fire and glitter.
Regarding value, the cushion cut is one of the most notable diamonds.
They are ideal for someone looking for a delicate look with lots of shine. Cushion-cut also has a softer, rounder edge than princess-cut diamonds. As a result, it is ideal for people who prefer square shapes but dislike the princess cut’s sharp edges.
Since it is a little loss of the original raw diamond during the cutting process, their prices are very modest.
Features of cushion cut diamond;
- 58 facets
- Square shape with round corners
- Length – width ratio of 1.10 – 1.30
- Table % of 61-67
- Very thin to slightly thick girdle
- No culet
Oval Cut Diamond
It is oval, as the name implies. It also has a good level of endurance and brightness.
One of the main benefits of the oval cut is how large it appears to be. It is because of its elongated shape after the cutting process, which gives the impression that it is larger than it looks.
This style is ideal for folks who enjoy keeping up with the latest fashions while enjoying a timeless, elegant look.
The oval cut has a greater money value than round cut diamonds despite having more loss of raw material.
As a result, this cut is a great choice if you want a diamond that appears large, stunning, and bright and doesn’t need to pay the price of a round cut.
Key features of an oval cut diamond;
- 57 – 58 facet
- Oval shape
- Length -width ratio of 1.35 – 1.50
- Table percentage of 53 -63
- Depth of 58 – 62%
- Very thin to slightly thick girdle
- No culet
Emerald Cut Diamond
The surface of an emerald-cut diamond is large, long, and with straight lines called “steps.” The steps produce beautiful reflections of the diamond. While some emerald-cut diamonds are square, most of them are rectangular.
This cut’s broad surface makes it easier to spot errors. So, it would be best to choose an emerald-cut diamond with a pretty high clarity grade.
The emerald cut uses a huge portion of raw materials, equal cushion, and princess cuts. As a result, it offers excellent value for the money.
The unique shape of this diamond cut makes it stand out more than many other diamond shapes relative to its carat weight, which is a bonus.
Key features of emerald cut diamond;
- 57 facets
- Square or rectangle shape with steps
- The length – width ratio of 1.30 – 1.60
- Table of 61 – 69%
- Depth of 61 – 67%
- Very thin to slightly thick girdle
- No culet
Final Thoughts
Cut quality is the most crucial of the four-diamond quality factors. It plays a vital role in the value of diamonds. You can find a gorgeous diamond at a low carat weight or a low grade in clarity or color and buy them. But you won’t settle for less-than-ideal cut quality grades.
So, ensure to pay attention to the cuts of a diamond to get the best.
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