The engagement ring cut can be spoken of in two ways. In the first way, the cut of an engagement ring is used to describe the shape of the gemstone set in the ring (for example, a “cushion cut” sapphire). In the second way, an engagement ring cut is used to describe the light-reflective qualities of the gemstone set in the ring. These light-reflective qualities are determined by how well the gemstone was fashioned into jewellery piece from its rough form when it came out of the earth.

The light reflective qualities are graded on a scale by expert gemmologists because they drastically affect how a gemstone looks. This article details the different grades that gems are given with regards engagement ring cut. Before purchasing a jewellery piece, it is wise to understand the various grades so that you may make the best selection. Choose the grade of your stone based on personal preference as well as on your budget.

Ideal Cut

Ideal cut gemstones maximize brilliance and the typically smaller size has the added advantage of creating a great deal of dispersion or ‘fire’ as well. Ideal quality jewels are for the person who enjoys knowing that he has one of the finest jewellery pieces that money can buy.

Excellent

Stones in the excellent engagement ring cut bracket also provide maximum brilliance and fire. Like the Ideal grade, they are also for the person who enjoys knowing that he has one of the finest charms that money can buy.

Very Good

These gems reflect most of the light that enters them, creating a sizable amount of brilliance. Cutters have chosen to deviate slightly from the preferred ideal proportions in order to create a larger size jewel. The result is a larger stone but one that falls slightly outside of some customers’ preferences for light reflective qualities. Generally, their price is slightly below any gem with the grade of excellent.

Good

A good gemstone reflects most of the light that enters it. Its proportions fall outside of the preferred range because the cutter has chosen to create the largest possible stone from the original rough crystal, rather than cutting extra weight off to create a smaller one of higher quality. Customers considering an engagement ring cut, but who want to stick to a budget without sacrificing much quality should shop in this grade.

Fair and Poor

Fair or poor jewels reflect only a small proportion of the light that enters them. Typically these they have been fashioned to maximize carat weight over most other considerations.