Diamond Cut (continue)
So, how do you get maximum light reflection? While there are many intricacies and components responsible, the two main components are dept and table.
In a well cut diamond - with good depth and table - the light enters at the top and forms a U shape and then exits back out at the top. This result in maximum light reflecting back to the eye and therefore the diamond becomes extremely brilliance beaming with fire and scintillation. When a diamond is cut too deep, the diamond shape will be elongated, and the light will leak through the side. This result in less light reflecting back to the eye and therefore the diamond becomes less brilliance and lack fire and scintillation. When a diamond is cut too shallow, the diamond shape will be flatter, and the light will leak through the bottom. This again result in less light reflecting back to the eye and therefore appears dull and lack fire and scintillation. Athough Cut is the most important of the 4Cs, it is also the most subjective and difficult to determine diamond has the best cut. In fact, even among diamond experts, their opinion differ on what proportion make the best cut. This results in different diamond expert groups (such as AGS, HCA, and GIA) with their own diamond cut grading standards:
