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What Is Diamond Cut?
The most important of the 4Cs—cut—refers to how a diamond’s facets interact with light. It is determined by symmetry, proportion and polish. More than any other factor, cut determines the beauty of the stone. Tiffany diamonds, from the smallest to the largest stone, are cut to exacting standards
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.
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
Engagement Rings
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.
