You may wonder at what it is that causes a diamond to exude that breathtaking sparkle. The majority of its appeal is derived from the diamond's cut. Even a diamond of poor color can be enhanced if the cut is good.

The cut can detract from visible inclusions that a stone may also have. And with a really good stone, a wonderful cut is like the icing on a perfectly baked cake!

Most people when ask, might reply that the cut of a diamond is its shape. This is not really true. The diamond's cut is actually the craftsmanship that is applied to cutting the facets of the diamond. If facets are cut correctly, it will make the best use of light and provides more brilliance.

When a diamond is cut to its proper proportions, the light is refracted from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the diamond causing what is known as the Return of Light. With the newest optical technology, this Return of Light can be measured.

When you are going to buy a diamond, its cut may be only one of the four C's associated with a diamonds quality, but it can be the most important. The brilliance of light from a diamond can contribute greatly to its value. If a diamond is cut too deep for example, it can allow light to escape through the other side of the diamond instead of reaching the top and detract from the brilliance.

If the diamond has a cut that is too shallow, light can escape from the bottom of the stone before it is reflected. The facet pattern of the stone needs to be perfectly symmetrical, allowing the light to bounce from facet to facet correctly.

If you have a rough diamond that has never been cut, make sure you have it done by a qualified and experienced professional. Diamond cutting is a lapidary art and if you want the best diamond you can get from your stone, you will need the best cut. After all, if it is worth having done, have it done right and your diamond will be a brilliant, shining example of what a diamond should be!