Cut is perhaps the most overlooked of the Four Cs of Diamond quality, yet is very important since it affects not only a Diamond's beauty but value as well. A better cut gives a Diamond more brilliance, which to the consumer is what a Diamond is really all about.

Cut grades are determined by applying international cut grading standards that were developed based on sophisticated 3-D modeling simulations. These 3-D modeling simulations have been validated through human observation testing on thousands of actual diamonds by individuals from all levels of the diamond trade.

"A Diamond cut of a round brilliant is graded as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor"

The consumer often confuse a Diamond's "shape" with its "cut", most likely due to the industry's synonymous use of the term cut to describe a Diamonds shape (marquise cut, pear shape) In reality, when we refer to the cut of a Diamond, we are really referring to a compilation of factors - Brightness, fire, scintillation, design and craftsmanship, polish and symmetry.

• Brightness: The appearance, or extent, of internal and external reflections of "white" light seen in a polished diamond when viewed face-up.
• Fire: The appearance, or extent, of light dispersed into spectral colors seen is a polished diamond when viewed face-up.
• Scintillation: The appearance, or extent, of spots of light seen in a polished diamond when viewed face-up that flash as the diamond, observer, or diamond source moves, and the relative size, arrangement, and contrast of bright and dark areas that result from internal and internal reflections seen in a polished diamond when viewed face-up.
• Design and Craftsmanship: Refers to the Diamonds physical attributes. No hidden weight. Diamond should not weigh more than its appearance warrants, proportion that increases the risk of damage.
• Polish: Polish refers to the overall surface "finish" of a Diamond. The quality of the polish of a Diamond affects the ability of light to reflect from its facets.
• Symmetry: Symmetry refers to the consistency of facet shape and how well the points of each facet align with each other. The actual shape and proportions of a Diamond are not considered when a Diamond is graded for symmetry.

  As you read about the other THREE of the Four Cs (Carat (Weight), Clarity & Color), you will see how cut plays an important role in Diamond certification.