Ideal Cut Diamonds

Ideal cut diamonds are round diamonds that have been cut to exact, mathematical proportions. It must be symmetrical, and have 58 facets, placed exactly according to this formula. These diamonds are cut to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the stone.

History of Ideal Cut Diamonds

Marcel Tolkowsky was a mathematician who wrote a Masters thesis on the proportions for round, brilliant cut diamonds in 1919. His family ran a diamond business in Belgium so he was very familiar with diamonds and diamond cutting.

To gather the information for his paper he interviewed people on the streets of London and asked them to choose the diamond that they liked best from a group of diamonds he held. He took notes on their opinions, and interviewed the best diamond cutters employed by his family to come up with the proportions of the most beautiful cut of diamond. He then used mathematical formulas to explain why these proportions produced a superior diamond to other cuts.

Ideal Cut Proportions

A diamond that is cut to ideal cut proportions gains optimum reflection, as well as refraction, of light.

A diamond's cut should not be confused with the actual shape of the stone.

• Diamond shape refers to the outward appearance of the stone.
  • Round
  • Pear
  • Marquis
  • Emerald
• Cut refers to the diamond's ability to reflect light. It is the only aspect of the way a diamond looks that is totally dependent on the skill of the diamond cutter.

The American Gem Society (AGS) has a range of proportions to define ideal cut diamonds.

When a diamond is cut to these proven proportions it will reflect all of the light that enters it from any direction. This light will be reflected through the top of the diamond resulting in rainbow colors and flashes of light as the diamond is moved.

If the diamond is cut too deep the light will be reflected at odd angles and will disperse through the side of the stone. This will result in the diamond appearing to be black in the center.

In a cut that is too shallow the light will reflect through the bottom and the diamond will look dull and lifeless.

Grading Methods for Diamond Cuts

You may be wondering what the difference is between and ideal cut and a very good cut diamond. Is it worth the extra money for an ideal cut?

There are five grades of diamond cuts.

• Ideal- The ideal cut maximizes the brilliance of the diamond. A smaller table creates more fire and sparkle in the ring. This is the considered the premium cut, available only in round diamonds. Only about 3 percent of diamonds are ideal cut.
• Premium- A premium cut is close to an ideal cut. About 15 percent of diamonds fall into this category. Most people will see will be little difference in the look of a premium cut when compared to an ideal cut. Premium cut diamonds are less expensive than ideal cut diamonds.
• Very Good- Approximately one fourth of the diamonds cut fall into this category. It will reflect most of the light that enters the stone and have some fire and brilliance. The very good cut diamond is much less expensive than either of the previous grades.
• Good-A good cut will be less brilliant that a very good cut. There will be much less sparkle to the stone. The diamond itself will be much less expensive.
• Fair and Poor- These diamonds have been cut too shallow, or too narrow to reflect much light at all. Most jewelers will not carry this grade of cut.

Personal Preference Determines the Cut

Which diamond you should choose depends a lot on your budget and personal preference. For someone who feels that it is important to have the very best and price is no object then the ideal cut may be the perfect choice. For those who want a beautiful diamond but have a limited budget, a premium or very good cut may be just fine.

Ultimately the diamond you choose should be the one that you like the best and that you can afford.

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