A great cut throws light back to your eye; a poor cut leaks it like a cracked bucket. Industry secret: cutters often chase “magic weights” (hello, 2.00 ct) by leaving extra mass low in the stone, which kills sparkle and can even make the diamond face up smaller.
- Choose Excellent cut; it will look brighter (and often bigger) than a heavier, poorly cut stone.
- Carat = weight, not size—1.85 ct with superb cut can outshine a “2.00 ct” with lazy proportions.
- Weight hidden in the pavilion doesn’t add beauty; great proportions do.
- always compare 3 stones side-by-side—not just the certificates.
Pro tip: If you’re between sizes, pick the slightly smaller carat with a better cut. It’ll look bigger and livelier on the hand.