Looking to know which is better between Excellent vs Very Good Cut Diamonds?
You’re at the right place!
This is our comparison of the Excellent vs Very Good Cut Diamonds.
In this article, I have reviewed both diamond cuts in-depth and will fully explain to you which one is better.
Let’s get started with an in-depth look at what sets these diamond cuts apart.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What’s The Difference Between Excellent vs Very Good Cut Diamonds?
Excellent Cut
An excellent cut diamond is one that meets high standards in terms of its proportions, polish, and symmetry. When it comes to proportions, there is no exact ratio or percentage that guarantees an excellent cut. However, there are ranges that are considered optimal. For round-cut diamonds, a table percentage between 54 and 58 percent and a depth percentage between 59 and 62.5 percent are generally desirable.
Symmetry refers to the precise arrangement of facets in a diamond. An excellent symmetry grade is given when there are only a few deviations found under 10x magnification. These deviations could include an off-center table or culet, areas that appear squared off instead of round, misalignment of the crown or pavilion, or misshapen facets.
Polish relates to the quality and smoothness of the diamond’s surface. An excellent polish grade is given when there are no significant abrasions, burns, pits, or roughness present on the diamond’s surface.
Very Good Cut
A very good cut grade falls below an excellent cut grade but still demonstrates strong performance compared to lower cut grades such as good, fair, and poor. While it is positioned as a favorable option for those looking to save on price while still obtaining a quality diamond, there are reasons why it may not be the best choice.
The very good cut grade does not provide specific information about which criteria the diamond meets or falls short of in comparison to the standards for an excellent cut. It could have varying proportions, symmetry, and polish grades ranging from very good to excellent.
For example, consider a round-cut diamond with a very good cut grade. Upon examining its GIA report, certain aspects stand out. The table percentage is 59 percent, which is higher than the ideal range, and the depth percentage is 63.9 percent, also higher than the ideal range. The diamond’s facet is slightly thick to thick, whereas excellent cuts often receive a rating of thin to slightly thick. Additionally, there may be minor issues with the symmetry of the facets.
While none of these measurements significantly deviate from what would typically earn an excellent cut grade, their combination likely resulted in a very good cut grade for this particular diamond.
This highlights the subjectivity involved in determining the overall cut grade, whether it be very good or excellent. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a diamond graded by a reputable institution such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS) to ensure reliability and accuracy in the grading process.
Differences between Excellent and Very Good Cut Diamonds
Certainly! Here are three key differences between diamonds with an excellent cut grade and those with a very good cut grade:
1. Excellent Cuts Display More Brilliance, Fire, and Scintillation:
The cut of a diamond plays a significant role in its brilliance, fire, and scintillation. These terms describe different aspects of how light interacts with a diamond:
Brilliance: It refers to the white light that reflects from a diamond. When light enters a diamond and hits its facets, it is reflected back to the viewer, creating a sparkling effect. Brilliance is highly desired, especially for engagement rings.
Fire: Fire is the dispersion of white light into its spectral colors, creating a rainbow-like effect. This occurs when light enters a diamond and is refracted, separating into different colors. Some diamond cuts, such as princess, radiant, and cushion cuts, are known for their ability to exhibit strong fire.
Scintillation: Scintillation refers to the pattern of light and dark areas that appear when a diamond is in motion. It is the result of the interaction between the white light and the colored light reflected from the diamond’s facets. Scintillation adds a dynamic and captivating aspect to a diamond’s sparkle.
An excellent cut diamond generally displays enhanced brilliance, fire, and scintillation compared to very good cuts. This is because the facets and proportions of an excellent cut diamond are specifically designed to maximize the return of light, resulting in a more dazzling and lively appearance.
In contrast, while very good cut diamonds still exhibit brilliance, fire, and scintillation, they may appear slightly less vibrant and have a smaller amount of light reflected back to the viewer. This could be due to less-than-ideal proportions, surface imperfections, or misshapen facets.
Considering the impact of a diamond’s sparkle on its overall appearance and performance in jewelry, it is advisable not to compromise in this aspect. Opting for an excellent cut diamond ensures the highest level of brilliance, fire, and scintillation, enhancing the beauty and allure of the diamond in any piece of jewelry.
Check out this diamond ring with an excellent cut.
https://www.jamesallen.com/complete-jewel/?j=146905&s=12847331&a_aid=612410f2a1eb8&chan=code164
2. Very Good Cuts are Less Expensive:
The price of a diamond is influenced by various factors, including its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and other quality characteristics. Generally, as you move up the GIA scales for cut, color, and clarity, the price of the diamond increases. The same applies to carat weight, where larger diamonds tend to command higher prices.
To provide specific examples of price differences between very good and excellent cut diamonds, an assessment was made using data from 310 round-cut diamonds available on James Allen, an online diamond retailer. These diamonds had similar characteristics, including a carat weight of 0.90, clarity of VS1, and color grade of G.
The analysis revealed that, on average, very good cut diamonds were priced at $5,334, with a price range of $5,040 to $7,550. On the other hand, excellent cut diamonds had an average price of $6,160, with a range of $5,850 to $7,410. This indicates a premium of approximately 15% for excellent cut diamonds over very good cut diamonds.
While it might be tempting to use the 15% savings from choosing a very good cut to invest in improved color or clarity grades, a different setting, or a heavier diamond, it is worth noting that the premium for an excellent cut over a very good cut is generally considered worthwhile.
The cut grade of a diamond significantly impacts its overall beauty, sparkle, and light performance. Opting for an excellent cut ensures exceptional light return and maximizes the diamond’s brilliance, fire, and scintillation. If you have a specific price range in mind, it may be advisable to consider selecting a lower grade in another aspect while still prioritizing an excellent cut to ensure outstanding light performance and overall beauty.
3. Excellent Cuts are Ideal for Engagement Rings:
Opting for an excellent cut diamond is highly recommended for engagement rings. The center diamond holds the most attention in an engagement ring and should exhibit exceptional sparkle and brilliance. It is important for the diamond to appear clean and colorless to the naked eye.
By choosing an excellent cut over a very good cut, you maximize the diamond’s performance in its most important aspect: its sparkle. Even if you select a diamond with a high clarity and color grade, if the cut is less than excellent, it can diminish the overall beauty and impact of the diamond.
To illustrate this, let’s consider an example of a diamond with a good cut.
This diamond may have desirable characteristics such as VVS1 clarity, an F color grade, and excellent symmetry and polish. However, its proportions, with a table percentage of 66 and depth percentage of 64.9, are far outside the ideal range for maximizing light return. As a result, its performance and sparkle may not meet the expectations of an engagement ring diamond.
In contrast, an excellent cut diamond, even if it does not have perfect measurements in every area, still meets the criteria for the highest cut grade. With an excellent cut diamond at the center of an engagement ring, you can enhance its beauty by combining it with a pave setting, like the one shown in the example.
A pave setting, with small diamonds lining the shank, allows the entire piece to sparkle. While some may choose pave settings to compensate for a very good cut as the main gem, it is recommended to prioritize the quality of the diamond’s cut over the specific engagement ring setting.
https://www.jamesallen.com/complete-jewel/?j=384920&s=14476992&a_aid=612410f2a1eb8&chan=code164
Ultimately, by selecting an excellent cut diamond for your engagement ring, you ensure maximum brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty, creating a stunning and memorable piece of jewelry.
What to choose between Excellent or Very Good Cut Diamond
When choosing between an excellent or very good cut diamond, it is generally recommended to opt for a diamond with an excellent cut that falls within the ideal ranges. The cut of a diamond significantly impacts its appearance and light performance, including factors such as brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
To ensure you select the best diamond, thoroughly review the diamond’s grading report and pay attention to its proportions, girdle thickness, and the shape of its facets. The diamond’s grading report will provide valuable information about these qualities. Additionally, it is advisable to view the diamond in person or through high-resolution images online to gain confidence in your selection and have a clear understanding of what to expect.
By choosing an excellent cut diamond and carefully considering its various attributes, you can create the perfect diamond ring that meets your preferences and ensures optimal beauty and light performance.
