Ideal Cut is not a real grade but is a generic term loosely used by some sellers to make the cut grade sound better than it actually is. Somewhat like saying “this is a 'premium cut' of beef” instead of stating it’s real grade. There is such a thing as an AGS 0/0/0 IDEAL cut grade which means the diamond is in the top bracket of ideal proportions, finish (polish) and symmetry, but this is a grade that is issued only with an AGS Diamond Grading Document, and no other way. It is important to remember that even with the AGS DQD, the grades of 0 to 10 represent brackets and there is variation within the brackets. Much like grades in school, where a grade of 90 to 100 earns an “A”, but obviously a grade of 100 is better than 90, even though both are an “A”. There can be differences in performance and beauty by diamonds within the same grade. That's why the Beauty Grade® is so important...it measures light performance in 100 increments instead of only 10.
The best demonstration of the importance of good cutting in a diamond is the comparison of 2 diamonds of 1 carat each that we have on display at Underwoods. Both of these diamonds have GIA Reports and appear to be identical when comparing the two reports. The one on the left at 1.01 Carats is an ordinary diamond much like what you would find in most jewelry stores and on the Internet. The one on the right is slightly smaller at 1.00 Carat and is an Underwood Diamond® that is visibly superior. Every person who has ever looked at this comparison says: “How can this be? The Underwood Diamond® is smaller, but looks larger...and is much more beautiful as well. Yet they appear to be the same on the GIA Reports...what's going on?” The answer is that the Underwood Diamond® is more efficient in handling light. More of the light that falls on the diamond comes back out the top, and less leaks out the bottom. Sad to say, most diamonds leak . . . but not an Underwood Diamond®.
ORDINARY DIAMOND:
Round Brilliant of 1.01 C.
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
Beauty Grade®: 56.89%
Actual Value: $4,821.74
UNDERWOOD DIAMOND®
Round Brilliant of 1.00 C.
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
Beauty Grade®: 100%
Actual Value: $9,765.00
The ORDINARY DIAMOND is often “discounted” to make it look like a bargain. This is how it works: The seller prices the diamond at $10,000.00 and marks it down by 50% to a selling price of $5,000.00, and makes up some reason for the “discount”. The seller then tells the customer: If you doubt the validity of the “bargain”, call Tiffany, or some other quality store and ask how much their 1.00 Carat, Color “E”, clarity “SI2” costs. So the customer calls Tiffany and asks the price. Tiffany will quote $10,000.00 +-, because they are talking about a diamond that is cut like the Underwood Diamond®. So if the customer doesn’t check any further, or examine the two diamonds side by side, he thinks he has just saved $5,000.00, but instead has overpaid for an inferior stone. Not only has he overpaid, but the appearance of the diamond will be an embarrassment to the woman who receives it, and eventually an embarrassment to him as well.
The most important factor in all of this is the Beauty Grade® number because it is a direct and totally objective measure of light return from the diamond and is performance based. We know how much light goes in, measure how much comes out during a full 360° rotation, and the result is a direct, scientific measure of brilliancy in the diamond.
We will be happy to show you these two diamonds side by side, with no obligation or cost on your part, if you will visit our store.