Cut grades are based on the table and depth percentages of a diamond. Measurements from each diamond's grading report is to determine:
- Table percentage: The ratio of the table diameter of the diamond to its overall diameter.
- Depth percentage: The ratio of the depth of the diamond to its diameter.
While nature determines a diamond's clarity, carat weight and color, the hand of a master craftsman is necessary to release its fire, sparkle and beauty. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone, resulting in a display of brilliance and fire.
Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom. As a result, poorly cut stones will be less brilliant and beautiful and certainly less valuable than well cut diamonds higher on the diamond quality pyramid.
A good cut is essential to a diamond's beauty, because even a diamond with outstanding color and clarity will not display the sparkle that diamonds are famous for if its components don't interact with light as they should.
The proportions of width and depth have a large impact on diamond brilliance, the reflection of white light that we see when we look at a diamond. Refer to the graphic on this page as you read the following descriptions.
Shallow cut
Light traveling through a shallow cut diamond is lost out of the bottom of the stone, not boucing back into our sight. The lack of light play makes shallow cut diamonds appear lifeless.
Deep cut
Light traveling through a diamond that's cut too deep escapes out the sides, darkening all or portions of the stone.
Ideal cut
Light traveling through an ideal cut diamond bounces back out the top of the stone, bringing its brilliance into view. More information on ideal cut diamonds.
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