If you remember only one thing about the 4Cs, remember this. Cut matters more than carat weight.
A beautifully cut 1.2 carat diamond will look more brilliant, more alive and frankly more expensive than a poorly cut 1.5 carat stone.
Why Cut Matters Most
Cut determines how light behaves inside the diamond. A well executed cut maximises light return, so the stone throws light back to your eye instead of leaking it out through the sides.
A poor cut wastes light. The diamond looks flat and lifeless, however large or colourless it is.
The Cut Grades
Excellent. Maximum brilliance. Worth prioritising.
Very Good. Still outstanding light return and visually very close to Excellent. Often the best value on the sheet.
Good. A visible drop in sparkle at normal viewing distance.
Fair and Poor. Avoid. The stone will look noticeably dull no matter what else it has going for it.
The Practical Takeaway
Prioritise cut above carat weight. An Excellent cut 1.2 carat stone will outperform a Good cut 1.8 carat stone every single time, and it will cost you less.
Every stone in our inventory lists its cut grade on the IGI or DIA report. If you are unsure how to read one, bring it to us and we will walk you through it.
Read Next
Filter our inventory by cut grade or ask us to read a certificate with you.