Ideal Cut Diamonds

An Ideal Cut Diamond refers to a diamond that has been cut to precise proportions and angles, typically in a round brilliant or princess shape, and exhibits excellent polish and symmetry. This cut allows the diamond to reflect nearly all the light that enters it, giving it exceptional brilliance. Ideal cut diamonds are considered among the rarest and most desirable cuts, serving as the standard for grading other diamonds. In the United States, the ideal cut proportions are often determined by the American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL), although various countries and companies may have slightly different criteria for what constitutes an "ideal cut."

The term "Ideal Cut" was introduced in the early 1900s by Belgian diamond cutter Marcel Tolkowsky. After studying the round brilliant cut diamond, Tolkowsky based his ideal cut on two key elements: brilliance (the reflection of white light) and fire (the dispersion of light into its spectral colors). While Tolkowsky's work laid the foundation for modern ideal cut standards, different regions have adapted these principles to their own standards.

Although Tolkowsky's original ideal cut is not flawless, it remains a valuable benchmark in the diamond industry. In more recent years, other models, such as those developed by gemstone cutter Bruce Harding in the 1970s, along with computer-driven advancements, have refined the concept of the ideal cut.

Ideal cut diamonds are expertly proportioned to maximize light reflection, allowing fire and brilliance to shine through the diamond's table and crown. While there are at least six different "ideal cut" versions in use today, the three most common cuts, including Tolkowsky's original, are the most widely recognized. For example, James Allen, a leading diamond retailer, offers four types of cuts, two of which are considered ideal. Among these, the TrueHearts diamond is a specific type of ideal cut diamond.