Cut graded dossier certificate

Lots of light loss (red) in an ideal cut diamond

Very little light loss (red) in a nice ideal cut diamond

This question has been posed by several people from time to time, and most people think it is true.

The answer is no, they are NOT all the same.

The actual answer is more complicated. On paper based on the certificates they come with they may appear to be the same but there are differences.  Sometimes the differences are major.

Even AGS (American Gem Society) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) two of the most accurate and respected grading laboratories do not have the same criteria to determine the ideal cut. It is our observation is that AGS is stricter in their cut grading than GIA.

There are several machines that will visually assess light return and light loss in a diamond. They are the Idealscope, Firescope, our Diamond Photoscope and equipment by GCAL (Gem Certification and Assessment Lab).

Using these equipment you can actually determine which of several ideal cut diamonds are better. The range can actually be quite diverse and with the naked eye once you know what to look for you can actually see the difference.

To choose just by looking at the certificate information is not the best method to buy your diamond if you are looking for the nicest one. You should have someone with access to one of the previously mentioned equipment to verify the best light return before you pay for that diamond if you want the most beautiful, brilliant, fiery diamond.

Russell Oshita,
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii