Only diamond cuts diamond and when a rough diamond is cut and polished upto 72% of the stone is lost in the process. This is the one C governed by man rather than by nature. It has significant influence on the value of the diamond as different cuts determine the brilliance of the gem. If a diamond is cut too deep the light escapes downwards and the centre will appear dark, absorbing rather than reflecting the light.

A very shallow cut results in light escaping through the base of the diamond causing it to look glassy, watery, dull, and even grey. The Perfect or Tiffany, round cut diamond is cut to precise proportion for maximum refraction of light. The Perfect cut warms the diamond with fire and brilliance beyond comparison with any other gem. So why are all diamonds not cut in the Round Brilliant style? The original shape of the rough dictates the shape of the final diamond. Different shapes of diamonds are cut to retain maximum weight from the rough.