Although it is common to use the word “cut” to refer to the shape of a diamond (e.g. emerald cut, radiant cut, etc.), the cut should be distinguished from the shape. The shape of a diamond is the form it was cut into, while the "cut" itself actually refers to how well the diamond was cut.

MORE: Diamond shapes - discover the 6 most popular diamond shapes

The quality of a diamond´s cut determines how much the diamond will sparkle. This explains why the cut is considered by some professionals as the most important "C" of diamond quality

MORE: The 4Cs - color, carat, clarity and cut determine the quality and price of a diamond!

To evaluate the cut, GIA looks at:

• How much brightness, fire and scintillation the stone offers
• How well the diamond was designed to ensure durability and optimal weight
• How well aligned and polished the diamond´s facets are

Based on their observations, GIA will attribute a cut grade to each diamond.

The GIA cut scale ranges from excellent, to very good, good, fair, and poor.

• Excellent and very good: a diamond with an excellent or very good cut grade is very bright. It shows an even pattern with good contrast between light and dark areas so that the reflections appear crisp and well-balanced.
• Good: a good cut grade diamond is not as bright as an excellent or very good cut diamond. The diamond will appear duller and the reflections won't be as crisps.
• Poor: a poor cut grade has lots of dark areas or dullness. Most people can tell immediately when a diamond is poorly graded since it will not be very attractive to the naked eye.

MORE: Learn why you need a diamond certificate, and how to read a GIA certificate.

No. 2 diamonds both graded “excellent” might look very different from one another, even if they have the same characteristics in terms of carat weight, color and clarity.

Why? Because even perfectly cut diamonds can have different proportions. They will look different, but both perform equally well in terms of how much they will sparkle! Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which cut you prefer!

Look below: both diamonds have an excellent cut grade, same color, clarity, and carat weight… and still, look quite different. Which one would you choose?

As just mentioned, equally cut-graded diamonds can still look quite different. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which cut you want to go for.

While excellent is obviously the best cut grade you can go for, “excellent cut” diamonds are obviously way more expensive than poorly cut diamonds.

BUYING TIP: We recommend going for an excellent, very good or good cut diamond. Try avoiding fair and poorly cut diamonds as this will greatly affect the brilliance and shine of your diamond.

At My Diamond Ring, you can configure your own engagement ring by choosing your diamond. We offer more than 5000 diamonds in different qualities and price ranges, in order for you to find the diamond that meets your expectations and budget.

LEARN MORE: How to configure your engagement ring in 3 simple steps

LEARN MORE: Diamond Buying Guide - All the tutorials you need to find the perfect diamond!

No matter what you choose, the important thing is that you like the diamond. All diamonds we offer are GIA certified and have been mined under the conditions of the Kimberley Agreement. This guarantees an ethical supply and production chain and prohibits trade with conflict regions worldwide.

MORE: Why do I need a diamond certificate?

At My Diamond Ring, the cut cannot be chosen from our diamond filter for two simple reasons:

• We display only good, very good, and excellent cut diamonds. This means that if you choose a diamond at My Diamond Ring, you will always have a diamond full of sparkle.
• Ultimately, the cut and aspect of a diamond can be seen on the picture and 360° view displayed on the website. This alone should help you decide if you find the cut appealing or not!

NOTE: If you want to double-check the exact grading cut of the diamond you are interested in, you can always open up its GIA certificate.