The Four C's
Cut
A well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to
another and
disperse and reflect it through the top of the
stone. This results in a display of brilliance
and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds
higher than deep or shallow-cut diamonds.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow
lose or leak light through the side or bottom,
resulting in less brilliance and ultimately,
value.
Cut also refers to shape—round, square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Non-round shapes, also known as "fancy shapes," will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.
A well-cut diamond will internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet to
another and
disperse and reflect it through the top of the
stone. This results in a display of brilliance
and fire, thereby placing well-cut diamonds
higher than deep or shallow-cut diamonds.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow
lose or leak light through the side or bottom,
resulting in less brilliance and ultimately,
value.
Cut also refers to shape—round, square, pear, or heart for example. Since a round diamond is symmetrical and capable of reflecting nearly all the light that enters, it is the most brilliant of all diamond shapes and follows specific proportional guidelines. Non-round shapes, also known as "fancy shapes," will have their own guidelines to be considered well-cut.