The Cut of a Diamond Clarity, Color and Carat Weight

		Contact Us Home

		©2003 Rasmussen Diamonds All Rights Reserved

			THE CUT OF A DIAMOND A diamond’s beauty, brilliance and value are determined by a variety of factors referred to as the “4-C’s”; Color, Clarity, Carat Weight and Cut. Of the “4-C’s, the cut is by far the most important consideration and can affect the value of the diamond by as much as 40%. Here’s why... The Ideal Cut is a mathematical formula for cutting diamonds to precise angles and proportions that yield optimum reflection and refraction of light. Simply put, when a diamond is ideally cut, light rays from all sides are bent toward the center and are reflected back through the top to your eye in a blaze of light. If a diamond is not ideally cut, it may be cut to retain extra weight from the original rough diamond crystal. The extra depth or spread increases carat weight but ultimately, the result is a diamond that is dull. An Ideal Cut diamond is more beautiful than other diamonds because it has more sparkle, fire, and brilliance. An Ideal Cut diamond is also the best value because there is no additional “fat” left on the diamond to retain weight. DIAMOND CUTTING IS A CONTROLLED SACRIFICE OF PRECIOUS MATERIAL