Diamond Ideals' Cut Grade
At the request and suggestion of many of our customers, we have developed a Cut Grade system to be used as an initial sorting tool. As we have always insisted, the determining factor for any stone will be the eyes of a diamond professional and ultimately you. This is especially true when it come to fancy shaped diamonds. The American Gem Society Laboratory (AGS) has developed cutting standards for round and princess cut diamonds and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) had developed standards for rounds as well, but there are no standards for cushions, asschers, emeralds, ovals, etc… The Cut Grade determinations we have developed do not take overall shape into consideration. Each stone must be reviewed by our in-house gemologists as we work with you. We often make side by side comparisons to help you make an informed and confident decision.
Our Cut Grade is determined using a combination of factors including polish, symmetry, table %, depth % and how these proportionately relate to each other. This is intended as an initial sorting tool, not an absolute stamp of approval or disapproval for any particular stone.
A diamond's individual measurements (table, depth, crown angles, etc…) can be within the most desired range, however, it is how these attributes relate to each other that ultimately determines how much light entering the diamond is going to be reflected back out through it’s table. This is what is referred to as “performance”. Both the GIA and the AGS laboratories have made performance the cornerstone of their new cut grade. Two stones with very similar numbers can look very different: one can be full of sparkle and fire while the other can look rather dull.
Over the years, as we have scanned lists of thousands of stones, we have developed a method to quickly assess which stones will be poor performers, which are most likely to be exceptional and all those in between. Prices of these diamonds, more often than not, reflect the cut quality or Cut Grade. Two stones of similar weight, color and clarity will have very different appearances and prices depending on their over-all cut quality. The Cut Grade system we have developed is an excellent initial sorting tool. As opposed to many on-line diamond stores who drop-ship stones directly from the wholesaler to their customer without ever seeing the diamond, we carefully inspect each and every diamond as we work with our customers. Our goal is for you to purchase the perfect diamond for you.
We have created five Cut Grades:
Elite Ideal Cut Grade is reserved for those exemplary diamonds which have met our strictest quality control standards. Each and every one of these diamonds has been hand picked and is absolutely stunning. These diamonds have been graded by the AGS Laboratory as being Ideal in polish, symmetry, proportion and light performance. Elite Ideal Cut stones exhibit a perfect Hearts & Arrows pattern. As an added benefit, our Elite Ideal Cut diamonds are laser inscribed for your protection and assurance and come with a Lifetime Upgrade Policy.
Our Elite Ideal Cut inventory is in-house and all of the images and reports are immediately available through our “Miner Report”. Just click on "Miner Report" next to the listed price of each stone, submit your name and email address and the information will be sent to your inbox within a few moments.
Updated as of Jan 2014: Our Elite Ideal Cut Program is being discontinued as the new GIA and AGS grading reports provide just as much information without the need for the additional technologies. We will continue to honor the Lifetime Upgrade Policy of previously sold Elite Ideal Cuts.
Excellent Cut Grade has been determined based on parameters found on grading reports. In our initial survey of these stones we believe the combination of factors listed on these grading reports offers the highest potential for excellent fire, scintillation and brilliance. The proportions of these diamonds are such as to maximize the look of the stone without sacrificing their sparkle or performance. Even considering the initial read of the grading report, we still strongly suggest having our gemologists assess these diamonds.
Very Good Cut Grade has been determined based on parameters found on grading reports. In our initial survey of these stones, we believe the combination of factors listed on their grading reports offer an excellent value of cut and price. These diamonds are more than likely have average sparkle and performance, but their price can be very attractive. We still strongly suggest having our gemologists assess these diamonds.
Good Cut Grade has been determined based on parameters found on grading reports. In our initial survey of these stones, we believe the combination of factors listed on their grading report offer an excellent value. These diamonds may not have the sparkle seen in better cut stones, but their price can be very attractive. We strongly suggest having our gemologists assess these diamonds.
Fair Cut Grade has been determined based on parameters found on grading reports. In our initial survey of these stones, we believe the combination of factors listed on the grading report is less than optimal. These diamonds may not be well cut stones and we would normally guide you away from them. Their price however can be very attractive. If you are considering purchasing a stone solely based on price, we strongly suggest having our gemologists assess the diamond and make you aware of any potential problems.
