Cut determines how well a diamond’s facets interact with light, it is the most critical factor influencing sparkle. It governs how light is captured, reflected, and dispersed into brilliance. Diamond cut is not the shape, it is the quality of the craftmanship, which the results depend on the cutter’s skill and precision. The GIA / IGI grades diamond cut from Excellent to Poor based on proportions that maximize light performance. An Excellent cut diamond acts like a perfect mirror, reflecting nearly all light back to the eye for maximum brilliance. A Poor cut, however, allows light to leak out from the bottom, making the stone appear dull and lifeless, even with high color and clarity.