Diamond Finish: What It Means & Why It Matters
Diamond finish refers to the overall quality of the diamond’s cut, polish, and symmetry. These factors affect how well a diamond reflects light, its brilliance, and its overall appearance. A well-finished diamond will display greater sparkle and beauty, while a poorly finished diamond may look dull or lackluster.
Components of Diamond Finish
Cut Quality
The cut of a diamond is its most important characteristic because it directly affects its ability to sparkle and reflect light. The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped, and how the facets have been arranged and polished.
Cut Quality Grade (according to DCLA):
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
A diamond with an Excellent cut will have the best balance of brilliance, fire, and scintillation. A diamond that’s cut poorly may not reflect light as effectively and could appear dark or lackluster.
Polish
Polish refers to the smoothness of the diamond’s surface after it has been cut. It is an essential part of the finish, as any scratches or blemishes on the surface can disrupt the diamond’s ability to reflect light.
Polish Quality is graded on a scale:
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
A poorly polished diamond may have visible imperfections that can affect its brilliance, while an excellent polish enhances the diamond’s shine.
Symmetry
Symmetry refers to how well the facets align with each other, and the overall shape of the diamond. If the facets are not aligned perfectly, it can create visual distortions or affect the diamond’s brilliance.
Symmetry Quality is graded as:
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
A symmetrical diamond ensures that light is evenly reflected, enhancing the stone’s brilliance.
How Finish Affects Diamond Appearance
Brilliance: A diamond with a good finish will reflect light more efficiently, creating a brighter and more sparkly stone. A poor finish, such as a poor cut or bad polish, can dull the diamond’s sparkle.
Light Performance: A well-finished diamond will show excellent light performance, including brightness (white light), fire (colour dispersion), and scintillation (sparkle).
Value: A diamond with a higher-quality finish is generally more valuable because it shows off the diamond’s natural qualities to their best advantage.
How to Identify a Well-Finished Diamond
Check the Certificate:
Look at the grading report from a reputable gemological laboratory (e.g., DCLA, GIA, AGS). The report will include grades for cut, polish, and symmetry.
Examine the Diamond:
Use magnification (10x jeweller’s loupe) to inspect the polish for any surface blemishes.
Check the symmetry by observing how well the facets align with each other.
Consider the Cut Grade:
Ideal/Excellent cut diamonds will generally have a superior finish in terms of polish and symmetry.
Fair or Poor cut diamonds may have visible defects and may not be as well-polished or symmetrical.
The Importance of Diamond Finish
A well-finished diamond is essential for maximising its visual appeal and value. The finish affects how light interacts with the diamond and directly influences the amount of brilliance and fire it exhibits. Whether you are selecting a diamond for an engagement ring or as an investment, ensuring a high-quality cut, polish, and symmetry will ensure you receive a stone that displays its full beauty.
Would you like help evaluating the finish of a specific diamond or understanding how it can impact the overall appearance?