What Is a Very Good Cut? Is It Beautiful?
Although it is not the highest grade, the Very Good cut grade is still considered a quality choice. With good light reflection, a distinct sparkle effect, and a high level of finish, the Very Good grade is often seen as a "nearly perfect" option for many diamond lovers.
But is the difference between Very Good and Excellent significant? And is a Very Good cut truly suitable for crafting high-end jewelry? Join Jemmia's diamond experts to explore the details and make the wisest choice.
What is a very good cut?
The Very Good cut grade (Cut Grade: Very Good) is ranked just below Excellent cut in the GIA grading system for round diamonds (Round Brilliant). Diamonds that achieve this grade still maintain good proportions, high brilliance, and impressive light performance, meeting aesthetic requirements in most high-end jewelry designs.
Technical factors (scientific):
Factor | Requirements to achieve the Very Good grade |
Geometric proportions (Proportions) | Proportions are close to standard, only slightly deviating from the ideal level; light reflection remains effective, though not as optimal as the Excellent grade |
Symmetry | The facets are relatively even and balanced; very minor deviations may appear (difficult to detect with the naked eye) |
Polish | The surface is smooth; slight haze or cuts that are not truly perfect may appear under 10x magnification |
Weight-to-size ratio (Weight Ratio) | Weight and size remain balanced; the stone does not appear unusually large, small, or too shallow |
Durability | Cut carefully enough not to weaken the stone's structure; there is no high risk of chipping or breaking during normal use |
Perceptual factors (visual):
Factor | Appearance at the Very Good grade |
Brightness | White light reflects well; the stone still retains a clear and bright appearance, though it does not achieve the dazzling brilliance of the Excellent grade |
Fire | The rainbow effect remains clear; however, at some viewing angles it may be slightly weaker or unevenly distributed |
Scintillation | The flashing effect is lively, but some areas may not be completely uniform |
Overall light performance (Light Performance) | Light capture is still good; however, weaker bright areas or imbalance in light distribution may appear at certain viewing angles |
Note: Diamonds rated Very Good in all 3 factors: Cut, Polish, and Symmetry are sometimes still highly valued by the market in high-end jewelry designs. (Source: GIA documents).
See more: What is a 3EX diamond? Learn about the Triple Excellent standard
Very Good cut ranks only behind Excellent
Comparing Very Good cut diamonds with other grades
Very Good cut is a high grade just below Excellent, balancing aesthetics and value. So compared to other grades, what advantages or limitations does a diamond of this grade have? Follow the comparison table below to understand more clearly:
Cut grade | Light reflection ability | Overall aesthetics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Excellent (Excellent) | Light is reflected optimally, strongly, and evenly. Fire, brightness, and scintillation reach the highest level | Brilliant and sharp from every angle. No dark areas or light leakage | - Highest technical standard - Maximizes visual beauty - Retains investment value well - Ideal for high-end jewelry | - High price - Difficult to access with a mid-range budget |
Very Good (Very good) | Reflects light effectively, but may be slightly reduced compared to Excellent. Some bright angles are not entirely even | Beautiful, with clear sparkle, but may lack “depth” or have slightly less balanced light performance | - High quality, close to Excellent - More accessible in terms of cost - Still suitable for high-end jewelry | - Some viewing angles are weaker in brightness - Lacks maximum brilliance - Less preferred for long-term investment |
Good (Good) | Light reflection is fairly decent. There is more light leakage outward | Moderate sparkle, lacking “fire” or depth when viewed at tilted angles. Weak bright areas may appear | - Significantly lower cost - Can be used for small-sized jewelry or simple designs | - Aesthetics are noticeably reduced - Brightness and effects lack liveliness - Not suitable for investment or high-end products |
Fair (Average) | Significantly limited. A lot of light leaks out and does not return to the viewer's eye | Lacks brightness, easily appears “dull” or “cloudy,” and does not create a visual impression | - Lowest price - Mainly used as industrial diamond plates or technical diamonds | - Does not meet aesthetic requirements - Not suitable for main jewelry pieces - Difficult to resell, does not retain value |
Poor (Poor) | Low. A lot of light is lost, the stone appears dull | Almost no sparkle. Does not meet basic aesthetic requirements | - Cheapest price | - Does not meet aesthetic and investment requirements - Difficult to resell |
Comparing Very Good cut diamonds with other grades
For long-term investment, should you choose a Very Good or Excellent cut diamond?
If your goal is long-term investment, choosing a cut grade is not merely an aesthetic factor, but also directly affects the diamond's value retention and liquidity. Among the grades certified by GIA, Very Good and Excellent are two popular choices in the high-end segment, but they differ clearly when it comes to investment efficiency.
Criteria | Excellent | Very Good |
Value retention | Highest, favored by the global market | Stable but not outstanding |
Liquidity | Easy to resell, especially if it is Triple Excellent (3EX) | Can be sold, but usually has to compete on price |
Rarity level | Quite rare, accounting for only a small proportion of the natural diamond market | More common, less "exclusive" |
Aesthetic factor | Optimizes light, fire, and sparkle, making it easier to convince resale buyers | Visually appealing but lacks absolute “brilliance” |
Symbolic value | Represents top-tier craftsmanship, often sought after by collectors | Only close to the premium standard |
Should you choose a Very Good or Excellent cut diamond
Why should you choose the Excellent grade for investment?
Excellent cut is the highest grade in the GIA grading system, representing superior technical perfection and light reflection ability. Diamonds achieving this grade possess brilliance, fire, and a distinct sparkle effect from every viewing angle, creating a strong visual impression and easily attracting buyers when it comes time to transfer ownership. In particular, many stones also meet the Triple Excellent (3EX) standard, which investors highly value due to its rarity and long-term value retention.
In contrast, although a Very Good cut still ensures high aesthetics, its light performance may be less perfect at certain angles. This causes its investment value and market priority level to be lower than the Excellent grade.
Therefore, if the goal is sustainable investment, an Excellent cut diamond is the ideal choice. This is also a mandatory standard in Jemmia's diamond selection process, ensuring that every product achieves true value and long-lasting trust.
Jemmia Diamond diamonds - Prestige, quality
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Each cut grade offers a different value in terms of aesthetics and investment. Among them, Very Good is a high-quality choice, suitable for users who value a balance between beauty and reasonableness. However, if you are looking for complete perfection in light performance, sparkle, and sustainable value over time, then an Excellent cut diamond is always the most worthwhile investment choice. Follow Jemmia to discover more in-depth diamond knowledge.
