Today’s Guest Blogger is Alethea Inns, CG, Director of Diamond Grading for the American Gem Society Laboratories. Alethea’s post today is on a topic she knows very well: a Diamond’s Cut, and how it helps make a diamond even more beautiful.
Cut is, without a doubt, the most important of the 4 Cs. The cut of a diamond has the greatest overall influence on the diamond’s beauty. Facets that are correctly placed on the diamond allow it to act like a system of windows and mirrors that return the most light to the eye in the most balanced way.
That being said, diamond cutting is both an art and a science. The artistry lies in the fact that we are talking about cutting the hardest natural substance on earth to a tenth of a degree. The science lies in maximizing the weight retention to yield the largest stone with maximum profit. The diamond cutter has absolute control in deciding to maximize weight retention, or cut the most beautiful diamond possible but rarely can achieve both at the same time. Rather than compromise the beauty and light performance of the diamond and accept lesser proportions, polish, and symmetry to preserve weight, the cutter can make the decision to lose more weight from the rough and to maximize the beauty of the diamond. That is the reason there is such a premium on diamonds with AGS Ideal Light Performance grades.
By purchasing an AGS Ideal Cut you can be sure that the diamond will perform to its maximum potential. It’s the difference between a diamond that looks good under the jewelry store lights, and a diamond that catches your eye in every light.
