CUT , POLISH  &  SYMMETRY

CUT

Cut refers to a diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. When a diamond is fashioned from a rough stone, the cutter must balance optimal cut (and therefore appearance) against maximum yield (cutting the diamond to maintain as much carat weight from the rough stone as possible). Because many customers are willing to pay more for a larger, fair-cut cut diamond than for a slightly smaller, well-cut diamond, there is pressure on the cutter to sacrifice appearance for weight. This is why the Cut grade is so important; it allows the purchaser to identify those stones that were cut Fair to Poor in an effort to gain carat weight.

POLISH

​Polish refers to the degree of smoothness of each facet of a diamond as measured by a gemologist. When a diamond is cut and polished, microscopic surface defects may be created by the polishing wheel as it drags tiny dislodged crystals across the diamond's surface. Depending on the severity, these defects may disrupt light patterns as the light rays enter and exit the diamond.

SYMMETRY

Symmetry refers to how precisely the various facets of a diamond align and intersect. This can include extra or misshapen facets, off center culets and tables, and wavy girdles. A diamond with poor symmetry may misdirect light that travels into the diamond, sending it off at slightly wrong angles, and thereby reducing the diamond's brilliance. Often, a diamond cutter will purposefully allow a minor reduction in symmetry as a way of preventing a defect present in the rough stone from being retained as part of the finished diamond.
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SUPER IDEAL	The best fire and brilliance.
EXCELLENT	Reflects nearly all of the light that enters the diamond.
VERY GOOD	Properly reflects most of the light that enters the diamond.
GOOD	Reflects a majority of the light that enters the diamond.
FAIR	Allows much of the light entering the diamond to escape from the sides or bottom.

SUPER IDEAL	No polish defects visible at 10x magnification.
EXCELLENT	Any defects are extremely difficult to see at 10x magnification.
VERY GOOD	Any defects are difficult to see at 10x magnification.
GOOD	Defects are noticeable at 10x magnification, and may be visible to the naked eye.
FAIR	Defects are visible to the naked eye.

SUPER IDEAL	No symm defects visible at 10x magnification.
EXCELLENT	Any defects are extremely difficult to see at 10x magnification.
VERY GOOD	Any defects are difficult to see at 10x magnification.
GOOD	Defects are noticeable at 10x magnification, and may be visible to the naked eye.
FAIR	Defects are visible to the naked eye.