Why is Cut Important?
Diamond cuts are designed to maximize light performance, encompassing the sparkle, fire, brilliance, and overall visual allure as light interacts with the diamond. Initially, a diamond in its rough state is opaque and lacks sparkle. It transforms through cutting and polishing, where facets are created to reflect and refract light back to the viewer’s eye, producing a sparkling effect. The nature and quality of the cut deeply affect light performance as facets’ angles, positions, sizes, and shapes dictate the diamond’s ability to sparkle.
Cut Grades
The GIA assigns one of four cut grades to each diamond. The cut grade not only defines the diamond’s appearance but also influences its price. Here’s what you can expect from each grade regarding looks, light interaction, and rarity:
- Excellent: This top-tier grade includes the leading 3% of all diamonds globally. Diamonds with an excellent cut grade exhibit extraordinary craftsmanship and precision, furnishing maximum sparkle and brilliance with minimal light leakage.
- Very Good: Diamonds of this cut grade capture nearly all their potential brilliance with slight light leakage. They present a cost-effective option, allowing you to prioritize color, clarity, or carat. This grade covers the top 15% of diamonds.
- Good: Diamonds under this grade efficiently capture light and provide significant sparkle, though with some light leakage. Cutters may intentionally opt for Good proportions to achieve specific styles or appearances. The top 25% of diamonds fall under this grade or higher.
- Fair & Poor: These diamonds experience substantial light leakage, resulting in diminished brilliance. Graded as Fair or Poor, such diamonds reveal noticeable light loss due to improper depth, leading to reduced sparkle. It’s advisable to avoid this grade to ensure radiant jewelry.
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How Shape Affects Price
Here are three crucial insider tips to consider regarding diamond shape when optimizing your engagement ring budget:
The most expensive diamond cut is the round brilliant
The round brilliant is the most sought-after and expensive diamond cut for engagement rings. Its high cost is not solely due to popularity; possessing the most facets among diamond shapes necessitates more precision work and results in more wastage of the rough diamond. Consequently, you pay for a larger stone than you ultimately receive. However, the striking fire and brilliance provide substantial upside.
Fancy-shaped diamonds can save you even more money
Fancy shapes, such as pear, oval, and Marquise cuts, can be up to 25% cheaper than round brilliant diamonds of equivalent carat size. This cost efficiency arises from the lesser wastage of rough diamonds during cutting. Although unconventional, these shapes offer complex faceting and impressive light performance, blending budget-friendliness with visual appeal.
Emerald and Asscher cuts can save you even more money
Emerald and Asscher cuts are often even more economical than other fancy shapes. Their step cuts, resembling staircases, require less precision and retain more of the rough diamond. These factors reduce costs without compromising elegance and attention-catching qualities. Ultimately, the perfect engagement ring is one she will cherish daily, reflecting her unique taste.
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Find the perfect diamond on your budget
Shopping within a budget doesn’t have to be restrictive. We recognize the challenge posed by loose diamonds. That’s why our expert gemologists are on standby to answer questions, guide you through the shopping experience, and share tips on saving money while exploring diamonds. We aim to help you discover the perfect ring for every taste and budget. Contact us now.
