Ideal vs. Super Ideal Cut Diamond

When buying a diamond, you want to ensure you find the best value. One way to do this is to learn about the different diamond cuts and choose one that will give you the most beautiful and sparkly diamond. 

But how do you know which cut is right for you? This blog post will compare two of the most popular cuts: the ideal versus the super ideal cut diamond. We’ll help you decide which one is right for you.

Why Is a Diamond’s Cut Quality Important?

A diamond’s cut quality is important for two main reasons: it affects a diamond’s beauty, and it increases a diamond’s value.

How a diamond is cut can impact how sparkly and brilliant it appears. A well-cut diamond will reflect light perfectly, resulting in a stone that’s dazzling to the eye. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, will appear more dull and lackluster.

In regards to value, a well-cut diamond is rarer than a poorly-cut one. That’s because it takes a skilled artisan to create a diamond with perfect symmetry, proportions, and angles. This means that well-cut diamonds are typically more expensive than their less-than-perfect counterparts.

What Is an Ideal and Super Ideal Cut Diamond?

The major diamond grading authorities of the world such as the GIA and the AGS have grading scales for measuring cut quality. For AGS, this scale varies from Fair to Ideal, Ideal being the highest. This is where the term ‘Ideal cut‘ originates from.

Ideal cut diamonds are the highest cut quality grade as per the AGA. Ideal cut diamonds can be brilliant, round, or princess cut. The cut is so good that all the angles of the diamonds are in the right proportions and the symmetry of the diamond as well as its polish is near perfect. 

A super ideal cut diamond is a type of diamond cut that goes beyond even an ideal cut in terms of precision. The term ‘super ideal‘ refers to the fact that these diamonds are cut to such high standards that they offer the best possible light performance. In other words, they can reflect more light and sparkle more than other diamonds.

A super ideal cut diamond would demand a higher price in the market than an ideal cut.

If you’re shopping for a diamond, ask about the cut quality. A super ideal cut diamond is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a beautiful and brilliant diamond. Super ideal cut diamonds often find their place in engagement rings and other fine jewelry due to their beauty and brilliance.

Visible Differences Between Ideal vs. Super Ideal Cut Diamond

An ideal cut diamond will exhibit very good symmetry, brightness, and fire. It will have good proportions and symmetry, while a super ideal diamond will have near-perfect proportions and symmetry.

Ideal cut diamonds are typically round or oval. They have 58 facets, which help to create a brilliant sparkle. Ideal cut diamonds also have excellent symmetry and proportions.

Super ideal cut diamonds are also typically round or oval. However, they have 62 facets, which helps to create an even more brilliant sparkle. Super ideal cut diamonds also have excellent symmetry and proportions. In addition, they often have a higher clarity rating than ideal-cut diamonds.

When comparing Ideal and Super Ideal cut diamonds, it is essential to remember that both types of cuts can create a beautiful diamond. However, each type of cut has unique characteristics that can affect a diamond’s appearance. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the kind of cut that best suits your personal preference.

Factors That Affect a Diamond’s Cut

Cut determines how well the diamond interacts with light, affecting the diamond’s sparkle. A diamond’s cut is judged on brightness, fire, and scintillation. 

Brightness refers to the amount of white light a diamond reflects; fire refers to the spectral colors (rainbow hues) emitted by a diamond, and scintillation refers to the flashes of light or sparkle produced when a diamond is moved.

Related article: What Is the Brilliance of a Diamond, and Why Does It Shine?

A well-cut diamond with a consistent sparkle pattern will appear bright and fiery. A poorly cut diamond may appear dark or dull, with little or no fire or sparkle. The following factors can affect a diamond’s cut.

1. Carat weight

A diamond’s carat weight is the size of the diamond and is measured in carats. The heavier the diamond, the more difficult it is to cut the stone without compromising its structural integrity.

2. Shape

The shape of a diamond also affects its cut. For example, a round-shaped diamond has more facets (the small flat surfaces that make up the diamond’s surface) than a marquise-shaped diamond. The more facets a diamond has, the more potential there is for light to be reflected and refracted within the stone, resulting in more excellent sparkle.

3. Clarity

A diamond’s clarity measures how many blemishes or inclusions (internal or external imperfections) are present within the stone. The fewer blemishes or inclusions, the easier it is to cut the diamond without compromising its structural integrity.

4. Color

A diamond’s color is judged on a scale from D (no hue) to Z (a yellow-hued diamond). The less color present in a diamond, the easier it is to cut the stone without compromising its structural integrity.

5. Hardness

A diamond’s hardness is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds are rated at ten on the Mohs scale, making them one of the hardest substances on Earth. This hardness makes diamonds very difficult to cut, and a diamond cutter must take great care to avoid damaging the stone.

Related article: Why Are Diamonds So Hard?

Different Types of Diamond Cuts

There are many different diamond cuts, each with unique characteristics and benefits. The most popular types of diamond cuts include:

Round Cut

The round cut is the most popular type of diamond cut. A circular shape and symmetrical facets characterize it. Round-cut diamonds have a brilliant shine and offer the most significant amount of sparkle. They are also the most versatile type of diamond cut, making them ideal for any setting or piece of jewelry.

Related article: Best Diamond Cut for an Engagement Ring and What Is the Best Cut for a Diamond?

Princess Cut

The princess cut is popular for engagement rings and other exceptional occasion jewelry. It is characterized by a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. Princess cut diamonds tend to be less sparkly than round cut diamonds, but they offer a unique look.

Emerald Cut

The emerald cut is characterized by its rectangular shape and step-cut facets. Emerald cut diamonds have a sleek, elegant look and offer a unique type of sparkle. They are often used in engagement rings, earrings, and other unique occasion jewelry.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut, but a square shape and octagonal facets characterize it. Asscher cut diamonds have a vintage-inspired look and offer a unique type of sparkle. 

Marquise-Cut

The marquise cut is characterized by its elongated, oval shape. Marquise cut diamonds have a regal look and offer a unique type of sparkle. 

Heart Cut

The heart cut is characterized by its shape (obviously), which is reminiscent of a heart. Heart-cut diamonds have a romantic look and offer a unique type of sparkle. 

Oval Cut

The oval cut is characterized by its elongated, oval shape. Oval cut diamonds have a sleek, elegant look and offer a unique type of sparkle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ideal a good cut for a diamond?

The ideal cut is the highest cut grade a diamond can receive from the AGS. It is classified as having nearly perfect cuts to maximize symmetry, brightness, fire, and overall beauty. 

Is an E-color diamond good?

Yes, an E-color diamond can be a good choice for some people. Here are some things to consider when deciding if an E-color diamond is right for you.

E-color diamonds are the second highest color grade on the diamond color scale, meaning they have a very little yellow or brown tint. This makes them appear brighter and more sparkly than diamonds with more color.

E-color diamonds are less expensive than diamonds with no color (D on the diamond color scale), but they still have excellent clarity and quality.

Wrapping Up

Now you understand the difference between an ideal cut diamond and a super ideal cut diamond. You also know that if you want to buy a super ideal cut diamond, it will cost you more money. But is a super ideal-cut diamond worth the additional cost? That’s up to you to decide. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of diamond, and then make the decision that’s best for you!