The Art & Precision Behind Every Brilliant Diamond
A diamond’s cut is where beauty and science intersect. At Harper & Stones, we believe cut is the foundation of a diamond’s sparkle — the invisible craftsmanship that transforms light into extraordinary radiance.
Whether you’re selecting an engagement ring or a forever piece, understanding cut empowers you to choose with confidence.
What Is Diamond Cut?
Cut refers to how well a diamond’s facets interact with light — not its shape or size.
A superior cut maximizes brilliance (white light reflection), fire (colored sparkle), and scintillation (sparkle with movement). Two diamonds of identical carat weight can look strikingly different based solely on cut quality.
Why Cut Matters Most
Cut determines how light travels through a diamond. When expertly crafted:
✔ Light enters and reflects back as intense brilliance
✔ Sparkle spreads evenly across the surface
✔ The diamond appears lively, luminous, and captivating
In a poorly cut diamond, light leaks out through the sides or bottom, causing dullness even in high-clarity or high-color stones.
At Harper & Stones, cut is our highest standard for diamond selection — because brilliance defines beauty.
The Cut Grading Scale
Diamonds are graded by expert gemologists using precise measurements and proportions.
Here’s how the cut grades compare:
Excellent / Ideal —
The highest standard. Perfect proportions that maximize brilliance and fire. Light performance is exceptional.
Very Good —
Strong brilliance with subtle visual appeal. A balanced choice for value-driven buyers.
Good —
Well-cut, but with less dynamic sparkle than higher grades. Offers affordability with respectable beauty.
Harper & Stones focuses primarily on Excellent / Ideal cut diamonds because they deliver unmatched light performance and visual impact.
What Makes an Excellent Cut?
An excellent cut diamond brings together:
Precise Proportions
The exact relationship between depth and table ensures light reflects properly — not lost beneath the surface.
Symmetry
Facets aligned with precision deliver uniform sparkle and balance.
Polish
A smooth, precisely finished surface enhances brilliance and refraction.
Light Performance Optimization
The diamond should return maximum light to the viewer’s eye — a hallmark of exceptional cut quality.
How Cut Affects Your Diamond
💎 Brilliance – Intense white sparkle
💎 Fire – Colored light dispersion
💎 Scintillation – Sparkle with motion
A stone with great color and clarity but poor cut will never match the brilliance of an Excellent / Ideal cut diamond.
Cut isn’t just a grade — it’s what brings a diamond to life.
Choose a Shape With Intent
While cut quality determines sparkle, the diamond shape defines personality. Each shape reflects light differently and influences overall appearance:
Round Brilliant — Maximum sparkle
Princess — Bold and modern
Cushion — Soft, vintage charm
Emerald — Elegant transparency
Oval — Gentle elongation
Harper & Stones helps you choose a shape that complements both the cut and your personal style.
Certified Cut Quality
All Harper & Stones diamonds come with independent certification from respected gemological laboratories. These reports verify the cut grade, proportions, symmetry, and polish — giving you transparency and confidence with every purchase.
A Brighter Choice Begins With Cut
When light meets precision, something extraordinary happens.
At Harper & Stones, we don’t just select diamonds — we curate optical masterpieces defined by exceptional cut. This is where brilliance begins, and beauty lives.
Harper & Stones
Crafted for Light. Designed for Life.
