Cut
The Ideal Cut
When a round brilliant diamond has been cut to “Ideal” proportions by a master cutter, it is a splendor to behold.

The Ideal Cut Diamond describes a round brilliant diamond that has been cut to exact and mathematically proven proportions. Its symmetry, with 58 exactly placed facets, produces the ultimate in lustre and beauty.

When a diamond is cut to the ideal proportions, all of the light entering from any direction is totally reflected through the top and is dispersed into a display of sparkling flashes and rainbow colors.

The Premium Cut
A Premium Cut diamond demonstrates subtle variations from the Ideal Cut. Although dimensional differences affect a diamond’s reflection of light, a Premium Cut still achieves a harmonious balance between it’s proportions and the display of brilliance.

The Inferior Cut
Most diamonds are “spread’ in their cutting to retain maximum weight from the original rough. A heavier diamond will result, but at a dramatic sacrifice of potential fire and brilliance.

Too Deep
When a diamond is cut too deep, light leaks out of the bottom of the diamond, brilliance is lost and the center of the diamond will appear to be dark.

Too Shallow
When a diamond is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom of the diamond, brilliance is lost and the diamond appears watery, glassy and dark.

Color
Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. As these tones become more easily apparent, the rarity and the cost decrease.

Ideal cutting dramatizes the rare splendor of a diamond because it produces such dazzling brilliance.

Color Grading Scale

Clarity
Practically all diamonds contain naturally occurring internal characteristics called inclusions. The size, nature, location and amount of inclusions determine a diamond’s clarity and affect its cost.

One unique advantage of the Ideal Cut is that its sparkle can mask otherwise noticeable inclusions.

FL – IF (FL = Flawless, IF = Internally Flawless)
No inclusions visible (by an expert) under 10x magnification.

VVS₁-VVS₂ (VVS = very, very slight inclusions)
Minute, extremely difficult to find under 10x magnification.

VS₁-VS₂ (VS = very slight inclusions)
Minor, difficult to find under 10x magnification.

SI₁-SI₂ (SI = small inclusions)
Noticeable, relatively easy to find under 10x magnification.

I₁-I₂ (I = imperfect)
Obvious under 10x magnification. Visible to the naked eye.

Clarity Grading Scale

Carat Weight
The weight of a diamond is measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 parts called “points.” 1 ct. = 1.00; ½ ct. = 0.50. The value of two diamonds of the same weight can vary greatly depending on the color, clarity, and especially the cut. For example, if a diamond’s table is too large, the girdle too thick, and the proportions uneven, the value of that diamond when compared to another that is more perfect in all three areas, can vary up to 40%.