What Is an Excellent Cut? Is It Expensive?
The beauty of a diamond does not only come from its color or clarity, but also depends greatly on the cut factor (Cut). This is the factor that determines the diamond’s ability to reflect and refract light.
Among the grading levels, the Excellent grade is considered the best standard, representing perfection in both technique and aesthetics. So what exactly is the Excellent cut grade? Why do diamond experts and investors prefer to choose it? Let diamond expert Jemmia explore it through the article below.
What is the Excellent cut grade?
In the diamond manufacturing industry, cut is the key technical factor that directly affects the stone’s ability to reflect light and its brilliance. No matter how high a diamond’s color and clarity are, if the cut does not meet standards, its overall beauty will be significantly reduced.
In the GIA grading system, Cut Grade: Excellent is the highest cut grade for round diamonds (Round Brilliant), demonstrating outstanding perfection in both technique and visual appeal. To achieve this grade, the diamond must pass extremely strict criteria, divided into two main groups: technical factors and visual factors.
Excellent is the highest cut grade for round diamonds (Round Brilliant)
Technical factors (scientific)
Factor | Requirements to achieve the Excellent grade |
Geometric proportions (Proportions) | Parameters such as depth, table size, crown angle, pavilion angle... must fall within the ideal range to optimize light performance |
Symmetry | The facets are aligned evenly and proportionately; no off-center alignment, distortion, or incorrect geometric structure |
Polish | The stone’s surface is smoothly finished, with no scratches, abrasions, or hazy ripples even under 10x magnification |
Weight-to-size ratio (Weight Ratio) | The diamond is not cut too deep or too shallow, ensuring it is not "heavy but small" or "large but weak" in terms of light performance |
Durability | The design does not weaken the stone’s structure, with no thin edges or fragile pointed tips |
Note: If Symmetry or Polish only reaches Very Good, the stone can still be graded Cut Grade: Excellent (if the other factors are strong enough).
Visual factors (aesthetic)
Factor | Expression at the Excellent grade |
Brightness | White light is strongly reflected from inside out of the stone, creating a transparent and radiant appearance |
Fire | The rainbow effect appears clearly when the diamond is tilted under light, demonstrating excellent dispersion ability |
Scintillation | Vivid light spreads evenly across the entire surface when the diamond moves |
Overall light performance (Light Performance) | No dark areas, no light leakage through the bottom, no dead zones or "cloudy" effect when viewed from above |
A diamond with an Excellent cut grade is not simply beautiful, but also the crystallization of top-tier craftsmanship and the art of perfect light. This is the top choice for those who demand complete beauty, safe investment, and long-term value.
For example: 3 Excellent diamonds are round diamonds that achieve all 3 Excellent points (perfect). These are: symmetry, polish, and cut. This is considered the highest diamond standard that craftsmen always aim for.
Comparing Excellent cut grade diamonds with other cuts
Cut grade | Light reflection ability | Overall aesthetics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Excellent (Outstanding) | Maximum, strong, even, and lively light reflection | Radiant and sharp from every angle | - Optimal fire effect and brightness - Highest aesthetics - Retains value well for investment | - Highest price - Only accounts for a small proportion of the market |
Very Good (Very good) | Near maximum, good light reflection but slightly less than Excellent | Beautiful, almost like Excellent but may have slightly off angles or mild light imbalance | - More accessible price than Excellent - Still suitable for high-end jewelry crafting | - Some angles may lose optimal brightness |
Good | Quite good. Light is reflected relatively well | Moderately sparkling, with less “fire.” To the naked eye, it will appear less lively compared to higher grades | - Much softer price - Can be suitable for small-size jewelry | - Loses quite a lot of light - Brilliance is significantly reduced |
Fair (Average) | Limited. Much light “escapes” instead of returning | does not reflect light optimally, causing a "dark," "cloudy," or lacking fire effect. | - Low cost - Often used as melee stones, side diamonds | - Low aesthetics - Not suitable for use as a center stone |
Poor | Low. A lot of light escapes, making the stone dull | Almost no sparkle. Does not meet basic aesthetic requirements | - Cheapest price | - Does not meet aesthetic and investment requirements - Difficult to resell |
How much does an excellent cut diamond cost?
Due to the sophisticated cutting technique and high material loss ratio, excellent cut diamonds are often priced higher than other grades. However, the specific price also depends on other factors such as color, clarity, size, and brand.
Excellent cut diamonds currently cost around 139 million VND and above on the market. The price of an excellent cut diamond depends on size, color grade, clarity, etc.
- A diamond with Excellent cut, D color, VS1 clarity, and a size of 1 carat has a selling price of about 335 million VND.
- An Excellent cut diamond, D color, VVS1 clarity, size 1 carat, has a selling price of about 463 million VND.
- An Excellent cut diamond, E color, VVS1 clarity, size 1 carat, has a selling price of about 388 million VND.
At Jemmia, all diamonds are cut according to the Triple Excellent Cut standard, ensuring:
- Perfect cut
- Perfect symmetry
- Perfect polish
3 Excellent diamond cut standards at Jemmia
Jemmia believes that cut is not only a technique but also the art that creates the soul of a diamond. Therefore, among the thousands of diamonds certified each year, only those achieving the “Excellent” cut grade according to GIA standards are selected by Jemmia to provide to customers. The reasons are:
- At lower grades such as Very Good or Good, light may leak or be unevenly dispersed. This causes the diamond to lose some of its inherent brilliance, affecting the visual experience.
- Two diamonds of the same carat, color grade, and clarity but with different cuts will provide completely different experiences and values. An Excellent diamond may cost 20 - 30% more, but in return it ensures real value commensurate with the customer’s expense.
- Only about 3 - 5% of diamonds worldwide achieve an Excellent cut according to GIA. This is a scarce segment with the best ability to retain and increase value. The carefully selected GIA diamonds at Jemmia have global value, ensuring sustainable assets for customers.
Explore now: Carefully selected GIA diamonds at Jemmia with the best buyback and trade-in policy on the market
Diamond cut is not only a technique but also the art that creates the true light and value of a diamond. A perfect cut helps optimize light reflection, bringing radiant, vivid, and distinctive beauty. Whether you choose based on aesthetic taste or investment goals, always prioritize diamonds with an Excellent cut certified by GIA.
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