Ideal Cut Diamonds

The care and craftsmanship of a diamond's cut determines to a large extent the fire and brilliance of the finished gem. It can be argued that cut is the most important of the 4C's. A diamond can be perfect in every other way, but if it is not well cut, it will not sparkle and dazzle.

Diamonds that are cut within a range of parameters believed to result in the best performance are referred to as "ideal cut diamonds". Through the years there has been great debate over exactly what those parameters are, but recent scientific advances in the complex study of light behavior have begun to bring the debate into focus.

Many different brand names and buzz words have emerged as a host of companies offer up competing versions of the ideal cut, along with an array of special viewers, analyzers, gizmos and gimmicks.

Within a few months the Gemological Institute of America will be stepping into the fray, having recently completed the most thorough scientific study of diamond cut ever undertaken. In January 2006 the GIA will begin assigning an overall cut grade in their reports of round brilliant diamonds. Their top grade will be "excellent" which for most people will be synonymous with "Ideal".

You can learn more about diamond cut in our education department at www.gemdiamond.com , and search our large online inventory of certified diamonds cut within a range of specifications widely accepted as ideal cut diamonds.