GemTrove: Ideal Cut Vs Excellent Cut

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The Difference Between An Ideal Cut And An Excellent Cut

Diamonds are a precious stone that represents luxury and elegance. Because of its high-value scientists and gemologists have continuously studied its characteristics. Many establishments around the world dedicate their time to researching diamonds. 

From GemX, the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), every research lab has their own impartial methods of analysing diamonds.

Due to the number of institutes over the world who trial and test diamonds many have created certain terms and grading names that overlap one another. This includes the notion of an ideal diamond cut compared to an excellent diamond cut.

Importance Of Diamond Cut Grading

The cut of a diamond is a key factor in determining the price of the stone. A diamond’s value is tested through 4 main categories: cut, clarity, carat weight and colour. The AGSL and GIA have very similar grading scales regarding clarity, carat weight and colour. However, because of the importance of cut grading, the two institutes developed different systems.

The cut of a diamond is more than just its shape. A diamond’s cut shows its potential fire and brilliance. Fire and brilliance are the terms used to represent the sparkle of a diamond. A diamond’s cut grade represents how light travels through the stone for it to shimmer.

Learn more about the 4 categories of diamond evaluation here.

GIA Excellent Diamond Cut

The GIA cut grading system uses a slightly different way of categorising the level of cut quality of a diamond. In their grading system, a diamond’s cut can be Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor. A diamond stone is given a specific cut grade according to its brightness, fire and scintillation potential.

Brightness: White light reflected from a diamond (internal and external)

Fire: The way light scatters into all the colours of the rainbow

Scintillation: How much sparkle a diamond produces, and the way light can leave dark areas due to reflections within the stone

Find out more about the GIA cut grading system here.

AGSL Ideal Diamond Cut

Belgian diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky came up with the term Ideal Cut. A stone with an ideal cut grading is one that is perfectly proportioned to refract light. The AGSL uses a machine to computerise the proportions of a diamond and presents the data through a numbered system:

0 = Ideal | 1 = Excellent | 2 = Very Good | 3,4 = Good | 5,6,7 = Fair | 8,9,10 = Poor

Purchasing An “Ideal” Diamond VS An Excellent Diamond

It’s common for the term ideal to be used in layman's terms. The word 'ideal' can be used to describe diamonds without correlating with the AGSL grading system. Instead, ideal diamonds can represent a stone that suits personal preference.

When buying fine jewellery both personal preference and professional grading systems come together. Diamonds are tested through under microscopes and machinery available to gemological laboratories. A perfect Excellent cut and a Very Good or even Good cut diamond can look very similar.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want a diamond with perfect statistics. Cost value also goes up with the higher-graded diamonds. Speak to one of our friendly consultants today to help you determine what kind of diamond would fit your needs.

Discover Our Impressive Collection Of Diamonds And Diamond Jewellery

Find the perfect “ideal” or excellent cut diamond with us at GemTrove. We offer quality loose diamonds and fine jewellery at affordable prices. Our GIA tested diamonds ensure you get the best value out of your purchase. Have one of our friendly consultants assist you in your loose diamond and bespoke jewellery shopping today.

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