The unique beauty of a cut diamond is the result of a painstaking polishing process that calls for an almost obsessive concern for accuracy. The exact angles and proportions that create the maximum brilliance (the amount of light the diamond collects and transmits) and fire (the refraction of light into a rainbow of colors) have been fine tuned by polishers throughout the centuries. In 1919, Belgian mathematician and diamond polisher Marcel Tolkowsky developed a precise model known as the "ideal cut", that has been recognized as the ultimate formula for cutting perfection. More information about the cut of a diamond.

Yet, less than 1% of all diamonds are cut according to the ideal formula. There are two reasons for this. First, not every rough diamond has the appropriate shape and clarity to be cut into an "ideal". Second, more of the expensive rough diamonds must be cut away during the polishing of an "ideal" cut diamond, losing valuable carat weight. Polishers usually prefer to strike a compromise between maximum beauty and maximum weight.

The Ideal Cut diamonds that Ben Bridge carries all have Diamond Quality Documents provided by the American Gem Society (AGS). The Diamond Quality Document (DQD) is a widely recognized and respected report that grades the Cut of the diamond on a "zero - ten" scale, (zero being Ideal) and grades the Clarity and the Color along with the Carat Weight.

An Ideal cut grade means that along with having IDEAL PROPORTIONS, the SYMMETRY and the POLISH of the diamond are also Ideal (grade "0") giving the diamond an overall grade of "Zero" ("0") on the cut. Additionally the clarity and color are also graded using the AGS scale in conjunction with standard Gemological Institute of America, (GIA) terminology.

A "Zero" cut grade diamond means that the diamond was cut and polished with only ONE consideration in mind - achieving maximum brilliance and fire with a zealously accurate cut. Because of this, the price of an ideal cut diamond can be higher than that of a conventional round. More of the expensive rough material is lost in the cutting, and more time goes into the painstaking precision of the polishing process. A very small percentage of diamonds are cut to these exceptionally high standards.

It is a difference you will see in the beauty, scintillation and sparkle of the diamond.

The AGS Ideal Cut diamond gives you the ability to compare diamonds based on ALL the 4 C's -- The Color, Clarity, Carat Weight and the Cut, rather than just a few of the factors of the diamond.

Ideal Cut diamonds are exceedingly rare and they appeal to the unique individual who demands excellence. But like the finest of wines or the top of the line luxury car, Ideal Cut diamonds are not everyone's choice.

Ben Bridge also carries a large selection of other well cut diamonds, all shapes and sizes, clarity and colors. Your local Ben Bridge Jeweler will be happy to help with your special selection...after all we've been matching diamonds to people for over 90 years!

We would like to show you an IDEAL CUT diamond and as you examine its fascinating reflection of light , consider that a diamond reflects much more than light - it reflects the uniqueness of the relationship it represents.