The 4Cs are the main parameters for valuating a diamond’s cost. They include weight in Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Usually, an untrained person might be able to differentiate two of the four parameters: weight and color. The other two parameters, clarity and cut, are more complex and require expertise.
Diamond Cut refers to the way a certain rough stone is polished in order to reveal its many facets. The intensity of brilliance and beauty embodied in the diamond are revealed through the expertise of a skilled diamond cutter - the craftsman who diligently polishes the diamond, one facet at a time.
Ideal proportions, finish and symmetry of a cut are the aim of the cutter, as well as the shape of the stone. The shape of a polished diamond is divided into Round Brilliant Cut, which refers to a round shape, and Fantasy Cut – which refers to any other shape.
One mustn’t confuse between cut and shape. Shape means the outward look of the diamond (such as round, radiant, oval and so on). Cut refers to the reflective qualities of the diamond and is perhaps the most important of the 4Cs.
Diamond proportion refers to the ratio between the width and height of a diamond. Perfect proportions of an Ideal Cut affect the three types of light reflected by a diamond:
- Brilliance: a white light reflected back to the eye from inside the stone or its surface;
- Fire: white light fragmented into the colors it contains: blue, yellow, red and so on;
- Scintillation: a white light reflected back as a result of movement, either of the stone or light source.
When looking at the proportions of a diamond, a trained eye would distinguish between an Ideal cut and a Deep or Shallow cut.
Cut quality is divided as follows:
Ideal Cut; Premium Cut; Fine Cut; Good Cut; Fair Cut; Poor Cut.
The Ideal, Premium, Fine and Good cut grades vary respectively, from maximum brilliance, to reflecting most of the light that enters the diamond. Diamond proportions graded as Fair or Poor mean that the diamond reflects only a fraction of the light that enters it.
The wrong proportions might cause the diamond to lose its brilliance, scintillation, and fire, and look artificial.
The finish of a diamond refers to the small details affected by the cutter’s work, such as symmetry and quality of facets: the crown, culet, table, girdle and pavilion.
- Crown: the upper part of the diamond which lies above the girdle;
- Culet: the minute facet at the base of the pavilion;
- Table: the large flat facet of the diamond;
- Girdle: the outer edge of a diamond where the crown and pavilion meet;
- Pavilion: the lower part of the diamond which lies below the girdle.
The Millennium Star, weighing 777 carats in the rough, was
polished down to 203 carats, in order to maximize its beauty.
Read more about diamonds and about the 4Cs.
