When most prospective diamond buyers hear about the term “cut”, they assume that it is in reference to a diamond’s shape. This is actually false. As one of the defining characteristics of a good diamond, the diamond’s cut is separate from the shape, but it is equally important. Instead of referring to whether a diamond is round, oval, or heart shaped, the term cut refers to the proportions of the stone and how exactly it is finished. Where other factors of diamond buying are completely natural and determined the diamond’s physical makeup, the cut is the one factor that is actually controlled by human beings.

When diamonds are first mined, they come in rough, sharp, rigid form. Since no one wants to wear this on their finger, jewelers have learned to cut and shape the precious stone in a way that’s attractive for wearers. For cutters, the most important priority is to produce the biggest diamond and have optimal physical beauty in that stone. Potential diamond buyers should be aware of what makes a great cut in order to purchase the most valuable ring possible.

Like anything manmade, not all diamond cuts are perfect. Some diamonds are cut by the most skilled cutters while others are cut by folks who are not quite as good. How can you tell the difference? The easiest way to know if a diamond has been cut to the optimal ability is if that ring reflects and refracts light within the stone. This display of brilliance is caused when light refracts from one edge of the stone onto another and back again to the top of the stone. A well cut diamond will produce this brilliance in what culminates to a sort of white light at the top of the stone. Well cut diamonds will also reflect a sort of rainbow colored ambiance from the stone, as well. Most women would agree that the cut of the diamond is the most important factor to the ring’s beauty. Because of this, diamond cut is one of the factors that most influences price in the ring business.

Though diamond cut and diamond shape are two different things, they do have an impact on each other. Certain shapes, such as the emerald or princess shape, are much more difficult for a cutter to cut properly. Along those same lines, round or oval rings are easier to cut, leaving much more room for error for humans who perform the job. When these diamonds are cut, the cutters hope to cut with 58 facets, according to an advanced mathematical formula. Most rings will follow this blueprint for success.

The quality of cut for a diamond is probably the most important factor to consider when purchasing the stone. Often times, a beautifully cut small stone can be much more beautiful than a ragged cut on a larger stone. Though it may be tough for a layman to pick up on these things, a trusted jeweler should be able to effectively identify a quality diamond cut if given the opportunity.