The Most Frequent Mistakes in Cut
EXCESSIVE WEIGHT: Contrary to popular belief, excessive weight reduces aesthetic appeal. Since the number of carats is often considered as the most important criterion with regard to a diamond’s value, one common trick is to leave too thick a girdle. This gives the diamond more carats and therefore a higher price. Unfortunately, it also considerably diminishes the brilliance and beauty.
THE “LARGE ANGLE” EFFECT: When a diamond is given a flat cut and too large a table, the stone is dulled. Even worse, it produces an unattractive large angle effect across the crown.
THE “NAIL HEAD” EFFECT: If the cut of the diamond is too deep, a dark nail head may appear in the center of the stone.
Diamond Shapes
Cut shouldn’t be confused with "shape." Shape refers to the general outward appearance of the diamond, (such as round, emerald, or pear). When K.Norris refers to cut, we are referring to the diamond's reflective qualities, not the shape.