A diamond's cut is not only about its shape, but how effectively the stone can return light back to the viewer's eye. A well-cut diamond will appear very brilliant and fiery; while more poorly cut stones can appear dark and lifeless, regardless of color or clarity. Not only do well-cut diamonds appear more brilliant, they can also appear larger than other stones of the same carat weight. In other words, it determines what we generally think of as sparkle.

When a diamond is cut with the proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond (which gemologists refer to as the table). If it is cut too shallow, light leaks out of the bottom; too deep and it escapes out of the side.

Lovida Diamonds’ specialists recommend selecting the highest cut grade within your budget, as it has the greatest overall influence on a diamond's beauty.

Cut Grades

Lovida Diamond’s Signature Ideal cut: Our most brilliant cut, representing roughly the top 1% of diamond quality based on cut. The highest grades of polish and symmetry allow it to reflect even more light than the standard ideal cut.

• Ideal cut:

  Represents roughly the top 3% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly all light that enters the diamond. An exquisite and rare cut.

• Very good cut:

  Represents roughly the top 15% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects nearly as much light as the ideal cut, but for a lower price.

• Good cut:

  Represents roughly the top 25% of diamond quality based on cut. Reflects most light that enters. Much less expensive than a very good cut.

• Fair cut:

  Represents roughly the top 35% of diamond quality based on cut. Still a quality diamond, but a fair cut will not be as brilliant as a good cut.

• Poor cut:

  Diamonds that are generally so deep and narrow or shallow and wide that they lose most of the light out the sides and bottom.

What Cut Grade Is Right For Me?

For the best possible cut, look to the Lovida Diamond’s Signature Collection. Hand-selected and cut to the most exacting standards, you are guaranteed to have one of the finest cuts available in the world.
Diamonds with a cut grade of Excellent/Ideal or Very Good represent an excellent combination of beauty and value.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how cut affects a diamond's sparkle, learn about the second of the Four Cs, Color.