If you are considering buying a diamond or diamond jewelry, you have to know how to determine the price and quality. There are several things you need to consider when buying a diamond. This criteria is also called “the 4 Cs,” which stand for cut, clarity, color, and carat. It is best to buy a diamond that balances all four criteria well. As you might know, perfect diamonds are much more expensive as they are very rare. Many diamonds are perfect to the naked eye, however. Many flaws are only discovered under the microscope, so it’s up to you to determine the importance of each of the 4 Cs to help you make the best decision regarding your diamond purchase. Many individuals know that the cut of a diamond is very important, but exactly how important is it? Some consider cut to be the most important of the 4 Cs and look at the cut as the primary factor in deciding which diamond to buy. Here are some more details about the cut of a diamond and what you should look at and think about when shopping for the perfect diamond cut.

Proper Cut
The cut of a diamond is about its shape and brilliance. A diamond with a good cut reflects light from one facet to another. Brilliance and quality are easily lost if the diamond is cut too deep or shallow. It´s important you choose the right shape as well. The cut is giving the diamond quality, and the level of brilliance and the shape is one aspect of it. Take your time and discover all possible shapes on the market and choose the one you like the most.

Ideal Shape
If you buy a diamond for someone else, maybe embedded in a ring or bracelet ask of the person opinion what they like before you select a shape. If it should be a surprise ask friends and family members to get a tendency.  This is often the case for engagement rings. In the case of doubt choose a classic and popular shape. According to selling statistics the most common shapes are round brilliant, princess, and emerald. Uncommon shapes that are not completely unpopular are marquise, oval, pearl, and heart.

Grading Report
Many people consider the cut the number one important factor when choosing a diamond. The cut determines the brilliance, at least in major parts. When you go about buying a diamond you want to consider a few things:

• Always ask the jeweler for the Gemological Institute diamond grading report of your choice when considering purchasing a specific diamond. The report will give you information about the cut and how it´s graded. A more precise grading is hard to find.
• The cut should have an “Ideal Cut” or “Excellent Cut” grading for the highest level, and the terminology will vary between the various labs.
• If you want to stick to a budget and balance all C’s, consider a “Good” grade
• “Fair” and “Poor” rating shouldn’t be considered if you buy it as a gift or as an engagement ring, as diamonds with such a low quality do not have much brilliance.

If you’re purchasing a diamond for yourself or a loved one, cut is likely the factor that you are most concerned with. Cut directly impacts the amount of sparkle that your diamond gives off, and it is a very important thing to consider when making your diamond purchase.