Diamond Cut Guide for Pittsburgh Couples – Why Cut Matters Most

What Is Diamond Cut?

Diamond cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets are proportioned and polished. Unlike carat, color, and clarity (which describe what a diamond is), cut describes how well it performs.

In Pittsburgh, we teach couples that a well-cut diamond can look brighter, larger, and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight.

Diamond Cut Grades Explained

The GIA grades diamond cut on a scale from Excellent to Poor (for round diamonds). Here’s what that means for Pittsburgh buyers:

• Excellent Cut Diamonds: Maximum sparkle and brilliance. The best choice for engagement rings.

• Very Good Cut Diamonds: Near-ideal light performance, often at a slightly better price.

• Good Cut Diamonds: Adequate sparkle, but less brilliance.

• Fair & Poor Cut Diamonds: Appear dull or dark. We recommend avoiding these for engagement rings.

💡 At Chapel Hills Jewelry, we recommend Excellent or Very Good cuts for Pittsburgh couples who want maximum brilliance.

Why Diamond Cut Matters Most

• Brilliance: A diamond’s ability to reflect white light.

• Fire: Flashes of rainbow-colored light.

• Scintillation: The sparkle when a diamond moves.

• Size Appearance: A well-cut diamond can appear larger than a poorly cut diamond of the same carat weight.

We show Pittsburgh clients diamonds under natural light and microscopes so you can see the difference in cut quality yourself.

Diamond Cut by Shape

Cut grading applies primarily to round diamonds, but it’s just as important for fancy shapes (oval, cushion, emerald, pear, marquise):

• Round Brilliant Diamonds: Most standardized grading system, with Excellent cuts recommended.

• Oval & Marquise Diamonds: Watch for the “bow-tie effect” caused by poor cut.

• Emerald & Asscher Diamonds: Step cuts require excellent proportions to maximize sparkle.

• Cushion Cuts: Cut style impacts whether you see more brilliance or a “crushed ice” effect.

Our Pittsburgh diamond experts guide you through every shape to ensure you select the best cut quality for your budget.

Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamond Cut in Pittsburgh

Both natural and lab grown diamonds are graded for cut. The same rules apply:

• Natural Diamonds: Excellent cuts hold value long-term.

• Lab Grown Diamonds: Affordable enough to choose Excellent cuts without exceeding budget.

Why Chapel Hills Jewelry for Diamond Cut in Pittsburgh?

• Serving Pittsburgh Since 1989 – Trusted jeweler for over 35 years.

• High-Powered Microscopes: See cut precision and light performance up close.

• Side-by-Side Comparisons: View Excellent vs. Good cuts in person.

• Largest Diamond Network Access: Thousands of cut-graded diamonds available.

• Custom Engagement Rings: Pair your perfect cut diamond with the perfect setting.

Visit Chapel Hills Jewelry – Pittsburgh’s Diamond Cut Experts

When it comes to diamond cut in Pittsburgh, Chapel Hills Jewelry is the jeweler couples trust. From Excellent cut round brilliants to custom fancy shapes, we’ll help you choose a diamond with maximum sparkle for your engagement ring.

📍 Chapel Hills Jewelry – 503 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
📞 (412) 782-1757