Choosing a fancy cut diamond suited for you

When you're setting off to buy a piece of fine jewelry, there are a lot of factors to consider, one of which is the diamond cut.

Why cut matters

The cut has the most impact on the brilliance of the diamond, so choosing the right cut for jewelry is critical. Graders look at three separate factors. One is brilliance, or the total light reflected by the diamond. A well-cut diamond will reflect the most amount of light back at the viewer, whereas less precise diamond cuts will loose some light out the bottom or sides. Another factor is fire - the way in which the diamond refracts light into the colors of the visible spectrum of light. The final part is scintillation, which refers to the lights and darks in the diamond that create flashes of patterns when the jewel is moved.

Cut options

There are 10 different cut options to choose for your jewelry that can be broken down into categories. The most popular of the 10 is the round brilliant cut, which is also the cut the GIA and AGS certify and grade. The best round cuts should have a balance of brilliance, fire, scintillation, color and clarity. The Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows diamond has earned the an AGS 0 grade for Light Performance, the highest possible rating. So for a classic look that's backed by perfection, choose a round cut.

Fancy cuts

Here's a look at one category of cut that might just strike your fancy. As there is far more variation in these cuts, it's much harder to grade them on the same scale as round cut diamonds. In fact, the GIA does not evaluate fancy cuts. The AGS does, but on a separate scale.

Princess: This square, mixed-cut diamond is used widely in engagement rings. It a bold choice of diamond though it will never go out of style.

Cushion: Similar in shape to the princess, the cushion cut is square though with rounded edges. If you have a more romantic or classic style, this diamond may just fit, as it crosses a modern oval look with a traditional Old Mine Cut.

Emerald: Known for its large pavilion, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity. Its rectangular shape can vary in size. It goes well with a classic, opulent wardrobe and can become the centerpiece of your jewelry collection.

Asscher​: This octaginal cut is often refered to as "the hall of mirrors" for the way light bounces around. Filled with sparkle and at the height of glam, an emerald cut may be just what you are looking for.