Cut: The First C in Diamond Education

Cut is the most important attribute to consider when buying diamond jewelry. Diamond cut is not just about the stone's shape. Rather, it is a representation of how much light the diamond stone reflects back to the viewer. In essence, the cut of a diamond defines the precious gemstone's fire. A diamond that is well-cut has a very brilliant and fiery appearance. Conversely, stones that have substandard cuts reflect a dull and lifeless appearance. Diamond cut also positively contributes to the stone's countenance by making its diameter appear larger when compared to other stones with the same carat weight.

Well-cut diamonds exude optimum brilliance, dispersion and scintillation. A diamond's brilliance is the reflection of the light that enters the stone. It is the light a person sees when gazing on the stone. Dispersion is the separation or breakdown of light into its different spectral rays as it travels inside a diamond. Dispersion defines a stone's fire. Scintillation comprises the different spectral colors that are observed by the naked eye when a diamond is moved back and forth.