COMMON DIAMOND SHAPES
DIAMOND CUT – The Key to Brilliance
Diamond cut is the single most important factor influencing a diamond’s sparkle. While many people assume cut refers to shape, it actually describes how precisely the diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished.
A perfectly cut diamond reflects light internally from facet to facet before returning it through the top of the stone. This creates the brilliance, fire and scintillation that make diamonds so captivating.
Poorly cut diamonds allow light to escape through the sides or base, resulting in a dull appearance even if the diamond has excellent colour and clarity.
At Cerrone, diamonds are selected for their exceptional cut proportions to maximise light performance and brilliance.
Diamond cut grades typically range from:
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
Diamonds with Excellent or Very Good cut grades deliver the greatest sparkle and visual impact.
Internal Grading
DIAMOND CLARITY – Nature’s Fingerprint
Clarity evaluates the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes formed during a diamond’s natural creation deep within the earth.
Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible without magnification. Clarity grades include:
- FL – Flawless
- IF – Internally Flawless
- VVS1 / VVS2 – Very Very Slightly Included
- VS1 / VS2 – Very Slightly Included
- SI1 / SI2 – Slightly Included
Many diamonds in the VS or SI range appear perfectly clean to the naked eye while offering excellent value.
DIAMOND COLOUR – The Absence of Colour
Diamond colour measures how colourless a diamond appears. The less colour present, the rarer and more valuable the diamond.
The diamond colour scale established by the Gemological Institute of America ranges from D to Z:
- D–F: Colourless (extremely rare)
- G–J: Near colourless (excellent value)
- K–M: Faint colour
- N–Z: Noticeable colour
Many beautifully bright diamonds fall within the G–H range, offering exceptional value while still appearing colourless to the eye.
DIAMOND CARAT - Weight & Presence
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not necessarily its visual size. One carat equals 200 milligrams.
Larger diamonds are rarer, which increases their value. However, two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear very different depending on cut proportions and shape.
For example:
- A well-cut diamond may appear larger and more brilliant than a heavier diamond with poor proportions.
- Different shapes — such as oval or marquise — can create the illusion of greater size.
Our consultants help you balance carat weight with cut, colour and clarity to achieve the most beautiful result.
