Not Recommended: Good, Fair, or Poor
| Cut Grade | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Good | ❌Avoid | Noticeable light loss |
| Fair | ❌Avoid | Dull appearance |
| Poor | ❌Avoid | Dark center, weak sparkle |
These cuts compromise the visual appeal of an engagement ring.
Excellent vs Very Good Cut: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Excellent Cut | Very Good Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | Maximum | High |
| Sparkle | Strong | Slightly reduced |
| Face-up appearance | Larger | Slightly smaller |
| Price | Higher | 5–10% lower |
| Best for | Long-term value | Budget optimization |
Choose Excellent if budget allows. Choose Very Good if upgrading carat size.
Ideal Proportions for a Round Diamond (Expert Breakdown)
To ensure you’re getting a top-performing cut, look for these proportions:
| Measurement | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Table % | 54% – 58% |
| Depth % | 61% – 62.5% |
| Crown Angle | 34° – 35° |
| Pavilion Angle | 40.6° – 41° |
| Girdle | Thin to Medium |
Diamonds within these ranges offer maximum brilliance and minimal light leakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best cut grade for a round diamond engagement ring?
The best cut grade for a round diamond engagement ring is Excellent cut. It delivers maximum brilliance, fire, and sparkle, making the diamond look brighter, larger, and more valuable than lower cut grades.
2. Is Excellent cut worth the higher price?
Yes. Excellent cut diamonds reflect light more efficiently, which improves sparkle and visual size. Even at a slightly higher price, an Excellent cut often outperforms larger diamonds with weaker cuts, making it a smart long-term choice.
3. Is a Very Good cut noticeably different from Excellent?
To most buyers, the difference is subtle. A Very Good cut offers strong brilliance with a small reduction in sparkle and usually costs 5–10% less. It’s a practical option for buyers who want to increase carat size while maintaining visual performance.
4. Should I avoid Good cut round diamonds?
Yes. Good cut round diamonds show visible light leakage and reduced sparkle. While they may cost less, the loss in brilliance makes them a poor choice for engagement rings.
5. Does cut affect how big a round diamond looks?
Yes, cut has a major impact on perceived size. Well-cut round diamonds reflect more light, appear brighter, and show better finger coverage. A smaller diamond with an Excellent cut can look larger than a heavier diamond with a poor cut.
6. What proportions define an ideal round diamond cut?
High-performing round diamonds typically fall within these ranges: Table: 54%–58% Depth: 61%–62.5% Crown angle: 34°–35° Pavilion angle: 40.6°–41° Girdle: Thin to Medium Diamonds in these ranges show balanced brilliance and minimal light loss.
7. Do all Excellent cut diamonds sparkle the same?
No. Two diamonds can share an Excellent cut grade but differ in performance due to slight variations in angles, symmetry, and proportions. Reviewing detailed measurements or light performance images helps identify the best-performing stones.
8. Which cut grade is best for halo engagement rings?
Excellent cut is ideal, but Very Good cut also performs well in halo settings. The surrounding accent diamonds add visual sparkle, which can mask minor differences between Excellent and Very Good cuts.
9. Is cut more important than color or clarity?
Yes. In round diamonds, cut has the greatest influence on beauty. A well-cut diamond can appear whiter and cleaner, allowing buyers to choose slightly lower color or clarity grades without visible compromise.
10. Are lab grown round diamonds cut differently than natural diamonds?
No. Lab grown and natural round diamonds follow the same cut standards. Lab grown diamonds often offer more options with Excellent cut grades, allowing buyers to maximize sparkle at a lower cost.
11. Should I rely only on cut grade when buying a round diamond?
No. Cut grade is essential, but proportions, symmetry, and polish also matter. Always review the full grading report from a trusted lab like GIA or IGI.
12. What certification should a round diamond engagement ring have?
GIA certification is preferred for natural round diamonds. IGI certification is widely accepted for lab grown diamonds. Certified diamonds ensure accurate cut grading and quality assurance.
13. What is the safest cut choice for long-term satisfaction?
An Excellent cut round diamond offers the best balance of beauty, durability, and resale value. It’s the safest option for buyers who want lasting brilliance and a timeless engagement ring.
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