The cut of a diamond refers to a diamond’s proportions. Many times the cut is mistaken for the shape of a diamond. The proportion of a diamond determines its brilliance. In order to maximize brilliance, the Master Diamond Cutter examines the rough diamond crystal and determines the most suitable direction for cutting. The cutter must then place each of the diamond’s facets, which act as light dispersing mirrors in exact geometric relation with one another. The better a diamond has been cut, the greater its brilliance, sparkle and fire.

The typical round brilliant has 58 perfectly aligned facets

It is the quality of cut and final polish that unlocks the potential beauty of a diamond. As a result, poorly cut and improperly proportioned diamonds will be relatively less brilliant and beautiful and certainly less valuable than well cut diamonds.

1- When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, regardless of its shape, light is reflected from one facet to another and dispersed through the top. This allows for maximum brilliance and a "fiery" finish.

2- If the proportions are too deep, then light will escape through the opposite side of the pavilion (bottom) of the diamond, thus losing some brilliance. A diamond cut deeper will also look smaller than a well-cut diamond.

3- If the proportions are too shallow, then light will escape through the pavilion before it can be reflected. It is the quality of the cut and its final polish that unlocks the hidden beauty.

Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the side or bottom.