Cut

Cut is the most important factor of the 4Cs. The cut (or "make") of a diamond is the most important feature. Cut refers to the angles and proportions a skilled craftsman creates in transforming a rough diamond into a polished diamond and is not a reference to the shape of the stone. Even if a diamond has the highest colour and clarity, a poor cut will result in the diamond having a dulled brilliance.

A well proportioned diamond follows strict mathematical proportions. The light entering the diamond from the top will be internally reflected from one facet to another within the diamond before being refracted back through the top and returned to the eye of the observer, giving the stone maximum brilliance, scintillation and fire.

A diamond can be cut to retain maximum weight and to create the illusion of size, but this results in a loss of brilliance.

If cut too deep, light will escape through the bottom facets and the centre of the diamond will appear dark. If the stone is cut too shallow, the light will also escape through the bottom facets, giving the diamond a watery or glassy appearance.

A well cut diamond will internally reflect light from one facet to another and disperse and reflect it through the top of the stone, maximizing the brilliance as well as the fire of the stone.

Cut also refers to the shape of the diamond; round, square, pear, heart or rectangular.