Brilliance through precision.
Nothing flaunts the splendour of a diamond like its cut. Top to bottom
a diamond is comprised of a crown, girdle, and pavilion. If the pavilion angle
is cut too deep, the stone will look dark. If it is too shallow, a diamond will look watery.
Well-cut diamonds will exhibit a breathtaking performance of light.
Many diamond experts are convinced that the optimal brilliance of a diamond is determined by one specific set of proportions. But cutting a diamond to ideal proportions has a cost. In some cases half of the crystal’s weight is sacrificed. Consequently the diamond is sold at a relatively higher per-carat price.
The standard round-cut is by far the most popular cut. It has 57- 58 small, flat, polished surfaces called facets which account for the breathtaking sparkle.
Up to 60% of a diamond’s cost is based on the cut.
Shallow Cut
Ideal Cut
Deep Cut
Buyers Tip
(Proportions table of a Round Brilliant)
Cut Classes | Ideal | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Medium | Fair | Poor |
Table % | 53 – 58% | 52 – 60% | 51.5 – 63% | 51 – 64% | 50.5 – 67% | 50 – 70% | 49 – 72% |
Crown Angle ° | 34 – 34.7 | 33 – 35.1 | 31.1 – 35.8 | 31.6 – 36.4 | 30.1 – 37.9 | 29.6 – 39.4 | 29 – 40.5 |
Crown Height % | 14 – 16.3% | 13.5 – 16.8% | 11.6 – 17.9% | 11.1 – 18.1% | 9.6 – 19.3% | 8.5 – 20.5% | 7.8 – 21.8% |
Pavilion Depth | 42.8 – 43.2% | 42.5 – 43.5% | 42 – 44% | 41.5 – 44.9% | 41 – 45.5% | 40.5 – 46% | 38 – 48% |
Girdle Thickness | Thin to Medium (1.0 % to 3.0%) Medium to Slightly Thick ( 1.7% – 4.5%) | Very Thin to Slightly Thick (0.4% to 4.5%) Thin to Slightly Thick (1.0% to 4.5%) | Very Thin To Slightly Thick (0.4% – 4.5%) | Very Thin To Thick (0.4% to 5.5%) | Very Thin To Thick (0.4% to 5.5%) | Very Thin To Very Thick (0.4% to 7.0%) | Extremely Thin To Extremely Thick (0.0% to > 7.0%) |
Total Depth | 58 – 62.3% | 58.3 – 62.99% | 58.3% ->63% | 58.3% ->62% | 58.3% – >63% | 58.3% ->63% | 58.3% – >63% |
Polish/Symmetry | Excellent – VG | Excellent – VG | Excellent – Good | Good-Fair | Good-Fair | Poor | Good-Fair |