Diamond Cut

Cut determines how effectively a diamond's facets interact with light, creating the gem’s signature brilliance and sparkle. Unlike other diamond characteristics that form during the growth process, cut quality results from the diamond cutter's skill and precision. A masterfully cut diamond reflects optimal brilliance, disperses vivid fire-like colors, and creates dynamic sparkle patterns when moved (this is called scintillation). 

The GIA grades diamond cut from Excellent to Poor based on proportions that maximize light performance. An Excellent cut diamond returns nearly all light that enters the gem, resulting in exceptional sparkle and visual impact. In contrast, a Poor cut allows light to escape through the pavilion (bottom), resulting in a dull appearance regardless of the diamond's other qualities.

Diamond Color

Diamond color refers to the absence of color, with completely colorless diamonds being the most valuable and rare. The GIA colour grading scale ranges from D (colourless) to Z, with each letter grade representing a subtle increase in colour saturation. Diamonds that fall outside this range — such as vivid pinks or blues — are classified as "fancy coloured" and are evaluated differently. 

Colour becomes increasingly noticeable as carat weight increases, making colour grade particularly important when selecting larger diamonds. Strategic colour selection should balance budget considerations with:

Diamond Clarity 

Clarity measures how free a diamond is from inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (surface flaws). The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless to Included. Most diamonds fall somewhere in between, with inclusions that are microscopic and don't impact their beauty. 

The impact of inclusions varies dramatically depending on their size, number, and position. The location of an inclusion matters as much as its size — an inclusion directly under the table (top facet) affects appearance more than one hidden near the girdle (edge). This makes each diamond's clarity assessment nuanced and highlights the value of viewing diamonds individually rather than relying solely on certification.