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Why Is Diamond Cut Important?
If a diamond is cut poorly, it will appear dull even if it has a high color and clarity grade. If a diamond is cut well, it will reflect and refract light for maximum brightness and sparkle. At Tiffany, we are committed to crafting the most expertly proportioned diamonds. In our workshops, 1,500 of the world’s most talented artisans cut diamonds to the highest standards. This precision is what sets Tiffany diamonds apart.
Cut is the only one of the 4Cs that is affected by human hands. Two diamonds may have the same clarity, color and carat weight, but cut is what determines whether or not one is superior to the other. Put simply, cut is responsible for the quality and degree of a diamond’s sparkle. There are three factors that determine a diamond’s cut:
Precision of cutHow the size and angles relate to the different parts of the stone
SymmetryHow precisely the various facets of a diamond align and intersect
PolishThe details and placement of the facet shapes as well as the outside finish of the diamond
The highest cut grade in the industry, triple excellent, is given to a diamond with an “excellent” rating in precision of cut, symmetry and polish.
All Tiffany individually registered, white round brilliant engagement diamonds and Tiffany True® diamonds have a triple excellent cut.
Diamond Cut Chart
While most jewelers accept “excellent,” “very good,” “good,” “fair” and “poor” cuts, Tiffany refuses to compromise by cutting our diamonds to meet exceptional standards. Non-Tiffany diamonds are sometimes cut too deep or too shallow, allowing light to escape through the sides and bottom. They can also have misaligned facets, which interrupts the movement of light.
The gemological standards in this section refer only to individually registered engagement diamonds set in certain ring styles.
Types of Diamond Cuts
All Tiffany diamonds are masterfully cut to maximize brilliance. There are three diamond cuts used to craft every diamond shape: brilliant cut, step cut and mixed cut.
Brilliant Cut
The brilliant cut is the most popular facet arrangement. It is made of triangular and kite-shaped facets, all arranged to optimize brilliance, or light return. The round brilliant diamond, which has 57 to 58 facets, is the most brilliant of the diamond cuts. Cushion, oval, marquise, pear and heart-shaped diamonds are also cut using the brilliant faceting style and are similar to the round brilliant in degree of sparkle.
Step Cut
Step-cut diamonds have trapezoidal facets that run parallel to the diamond’s girdle, resembling a set of stairs. This faceting style emphasizes a diamond’s color and clarity. The most well-known step cut is the emerald cut.
Mixed Cut
Mixed cuts have a combination of brilliant and step-cut facets. The Tiffany True® diamond is a mixed cut with a crown made entirely of step cuts and a brilliant-cut pavilion.
“We never say something is good enough. It has to be the most beautiful in the world.”
—Paul Domiciano, model maker
The superlative beauty of our engagement rings is the result of the highest quality standards and an obsession with crafting the most exquisite diamonds at every step.
Tiffany diamonds are brighter and more vibrant because we craft them that way.
Let us assist you in choosing an engagement ring, personalizing a wedding band or selecting a special anniversary gift.
When you purchase a Tiffany engagement ring, you receive superlative care for a lifetime.