DCA Diamond Cutting & Polish Techniques Flashcards

What is the ideal table percentage range for a round brilliant cut diamond according to most grading standards?

Answer: 53–58%

Most gemologists consider a table percentage of approximately 53–58% optimal for maximizing brilliance and fire in a round brilliant cut diamond.

What is a 'princess cut' diamond?

Answer: A square or rectangular brilliant cut with pointed corners

The princess cut is a square or rectangular diamond cut featuring brilliant-style faceting with uncut, pointed corners.

What does 'depth percentage' measure in a diamond?

Answer: The depth of the stone divided by its average diameter

Depth percentage is calculated by dividing the total depth of the diamond by its average girdle diameter, expressed as a percentage.

Which of the following is considered a 'fancy cut' diamond shape?

Answer: Marquise

The marquise is a fancy cut shape — any diamond shape other than round is called a 'fancy shape' or 'fancy cut' in the diamond trade.

What is 'brilliance' in diamond optics?

Answer: The total light reflected from the interior and exterior of a diamond

Brilliance refers to the white light reflected back to the observer from both the surface and interior of a diamond, creating its characteristic brightness.

A diamond with a 'thick' girdle is considered problematic because it:

Answer: Adds unnecessary weight without increasing visible size

An excessively thick girdle adds weight to the diamond without meaningfully increasing its face-up appearance, effectively making the diamond cost more per carat than it looks.