The cut directly affects the
sparkle of a diamond
We hold the cut in the highest regard because it has the greatest influence on a diamond’s sparkle. Only a well cut diamond will demonstrate a diamond’s true fire, brilliance and scintillation, ensuring the light reflects back through the crown and creates breathtaking sparkle.
Even if a diamond has a large carat weight, perfect clarity and colour grade, if it has a poor cut the diamond will appear dull with minimal sparkle.
A diamond cut too shallow won't reflect light through the crown.
A diamond cut too deep won't reflect light through the crown.
A well cut diamond will reflect the ideal light, creating breathtaking sparkle. Only the most beautiful diamonds become Beaverbrooks diamonds.
What’s the difference between a diamond cut and diamond shape?
A diamond’s cut focuses on its symmetry, proportions and how its facets interact with light. A diamond shape, on the other hand, only describes the geometric appearance of a diamond. This is why diamond shapes are often interchangeably referred to as cuts. If you want to find out more about diamond shapes discover our diamond cuts & shapes guide.
There are three main diamond cutting techniques which help inform the shape of diamonds, they are:
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Brilliant Cut
One of the most popular cuts, the brilliant cut is made up of 57 or 58 kite and triangular facets. These facets radiate from the diamonds centre towards its girdle, fully optimising its brilliance and light return. Diamond shapes such as round brilliant, cushion, oval, marquise, pear and heart-shaped are all cut using the brilliant faceting style.
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Step Cut
Resembling a set of stairs, the step cut showcases long and narrow four-sided facets in rows parallel to the girdle on both sides of the crown and pavilion. This faceting style is great for emphasising a diamond’s colour and clarity. The most common step cut is the emerald cut.
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Mixed Cut
A cutting style that combines step cut and brilliant cut facets, mixed cuts have brilliant facets on the crown and step facets on the pavilion, or vice versa. You’ll most likely see this cutting pattern used a cushion or oval shaped diamond.
The measure of how colourless or
“white” a diamond is
A chemically pure and structurally perfect diamond will have no colour and will therefore be rarer and more valuable. The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamond colour on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
or brown
Diamond colour chart
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O - P
Q - R
S - T
U - V
W - X
Y - Z
“You’ll find that most of our diamonds are in the near colourless range (D-G), meaning your Beaverbrooks diamond will have no visible colour, appearing bright and white.”
– Lorna, Head of Diamond Buying.
Inclusions and blemishes in a diamond
Formed deep under the earth, diamonds are exposed to huge heat and pressure which results in unique internal characteristics called inclusions and external characteristics called blemishes.
Diamond clarity chart
VVS1 - VVS2
Very, very small inclusions
VS1 - VS2
Very small inclusions
SI1
Small inclusions not visible to the naked eye
I1
Visible inclusions
I2
Notable inclusions
I3
Prounounced inclusions
“All diamonds have inclusions; it’s what makes them unique, like a fingerprint. We choose diamonds with no inclusions visible to the naked eye for our core range, ensuring there are no inclusions that disrupt the passage of light, and therefore the sparkle of the diamond”
– Lorna, Head of Diamond Buying.
How much a
diamond weighs
The carat is a unit of weight, not size. One carat is divided into 100 points, so a diamond of 50 points is described as half a carat or 0.50ct. It’s important to remember that two stones of equal carat weight can differ in value depending on the other 4 Cs: clarity, colour and most important of all, cut.
Our 5th C is Confidence
Our 5th C gives you the Beaverbrooks difference – Confidence. We don’t just tick off the 4 Cs, for us it’s about genuine passion and making sure your diamond sparkles beautifully.
View the guide
