{"id":198,"date":"2026-08-05T17:36:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T17:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/?p=198"},"modified":"2026-08-05T17:37:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T17:37:37","slug":"excellent-vs-very-good-cut-is-the-price-difference-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/2026\/08\/05\/excellent-vs-very-good-cut-is-the-price-difference-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Excellent vs Very Good Cut: Is the Price Difference Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When shopping for a diamond, many buyers naturally focus on the Four Cs: Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut. Of these, cut is widely regarded by gemologists as the most important factor influencing a diamond’s beauty<\/strong>. It determines how effectively the diamond reflects light, creating the brilliance, fire, and scintillation that make a diamond come alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve browsed diamonds online or visited a jeweller, you’ve probably seen cut grades such as Excellent<\/strong>, Very Good<\/strong>, Good<\/strong>, or Fair<\/strong>. At first glance, the difference between an Excellent Cut and a Very Good Cut may seem minor. After all, both sound like high-quality options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But are they truly comparable? Is the premium for an Excellent Cut justified, or can you save money by choosing a Very Good Cut without sacrificing appearance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is more nuanced than many people realise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Understanding Diamond Cut Grades<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Before comparing the two grades, it’s important to understand what a cut grade actually measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, cut does not<\/strong> describe a diamond’s shape. A Round Brilliant, Oval, Cushion, or Emerald diamond can all have different cut qualities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, cut refers to how well a diamond has been fashioned from its rough crystal<\/strong>. It evaluates how effectively the proportions, facet arrangement, symmetry, and polish work together to maximise light performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For round brilliant diamonds, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assigns one of five cut grades:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Excellent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Very Good<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Good<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fair<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Poor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    These grades are based on extensive research involving thousands of diamonds and observations from both trained professionals and everyday consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    What Does an Excellent Cut Mean?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    A diamond graded Excellent<\/strong> by the GIA has proportions and craftsmanship that allow it to return a very high percentage of incoming light to the viewer’s eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Characteristics often include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Outstanding brightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Strong white light return<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Vibrant flashes of rainbow colours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Excellent contrast patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Dynamic sparkle during movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      These diamonds are cut within proportion ranges proven to deliver exceptional visual performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, an important fact often surprises buyers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Not every Excellent Cut diamond performs equally well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The GIA Excellent category covers a fairly broad range of proportions. Two diamonds with the same Excellent grade can still differ noticeably in sparkle depending on their crown angle, pavilion angle, table size, depth percentage, lower girdle facets, and star facet lengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This is why experienced diamond buyers often examine proportions beyond the overall cut grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      What Does Very Good Cut Mean?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      A Very Good Cut diamond still offers attractive sparkle and light performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      These diamonds generally exhibit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Strong brightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Good fire<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Pleasant scintillation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Balanced overall appearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        However, they may have slightly less efficient light return than Excellent Cut diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Small differences in proportions may cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Minor light leakage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Slightly reduced contrast<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Less balanced fire<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Slightly weaker edge-to-edge brightness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          These differences are often subtle and may not be immediately visible without comparing two diamonds side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          Can You Actually See the Difference?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

          This is the question most buyers want answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The honest answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Sometimes yes, sometimes no.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Under normal indoor lighting, many Very Good Cut diamonds appear beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          However, when viewed next to a carefully selected Excellent Cut diamond, differences begin to emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Excellent Cut diamonds often display:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Greater brightness across the entire stone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • More even light distribution<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Stronger flashes during movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Better performance in lower lighting conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The distinction becomes even clearer under professional jewellery lighting or direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            Why Excellent Cut Diamonds Cost More<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

            Producing an Excellent Cut requires sacrificing more of the original rough diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Imagine a rough crystal weighing 2.0 carats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            A cutter has several options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            They may choose to preserve more weight and finish with a 1.20-carat diamond that earns a Very Good Cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Alternatively, they may remove additional material to achieve ideal proportions, resulting in a 1.05-carat Excellent Cut diamond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Although the second diamond weighs less, it may sell for a higher price because of its superior beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Diamond cutters constantly balance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Weight retention<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Profit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Optical performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              The best cutters prioritise light performance over carat weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              Light Performance Is Everything<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

              The purpose of cutting a diamond is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Return as much light as possible back to the viewer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              When light enters a properly proportioned diamond:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Light enters through the table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. It reflects internally between pavilion facets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. It exits through the crown toward your eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                If proportions are slightly off, light leaks from the bottom or sides instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Excellent Cut diamonds generally minimise this leakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Very Good diamonds may allow slightly more light to escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Although this sounds insignificant, the cumulative effect influences the diamond’s overall appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n\n\n\n

                The Importance of Precision<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                Diamond cutting is an incredibly precise craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Changing the pavilion angle by just half a degree can alter how light behaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Similarly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Table percentage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Crown angle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Total depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Lower girdle length<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Star facets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  all interact to influence sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  This is why two diamonds with identical carat, colour, and clarity can appear dramatically different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  When a Very Good Cut May Be the Better Choice<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                  Although Excellent Cut is often recommended, there are situations where choosing a Very Good Cut makes financial sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  1. Maximising Carat Weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Suppose your budget is fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  You may have two choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • 1.00 ct Excellent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • 1.10 ct Very Good<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    If size is your highest priority, the slightly larger Very Good Cut may be more satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n\n\n\n

                    2. Fancy Shape Diamonds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    The GIA only assigns official cut grades to Round Brilliant diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Fancy shapes such as Oval, Cushion, Pear, Emerald, Radiant, and Marquise do not receive overall GIA cut grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    In these cases, proportion analysis becomes more important than relying on labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n\n\n\n

                    3. Well-Proportioned Very Good Diamonds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Not every Very Good Cut narrowly missed Excellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Some perform extremely well and offer excellent value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If the proportions are strong, the visual difference may be minimal while saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n\n\n\n

                    When Excellent Cut Is Worth the Premium<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                    Excellent Cut becomes especially worthwhile if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Sparkle is your highest priority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • You’re purchasing an engagement ring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • You want maximum resale appeal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • You’re buying a Round Brilliant.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • You appreciate exceptional craftsmanship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Many professional jewellers recommend compromising slightly on colour or clarity before compromising on cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Rather than purchasing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • D Colour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • VVS1 Clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Very Good Cut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • G Colour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • VS2 Clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Excellent Cut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Most people will notice the increased sparkle long before they notice the slight differences in colour or clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n\n\n\n

                          Don’t Judge Cut by the Certificate Alone<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                          One common mistake is assuming all Excellent diamonds are equally beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          They are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Professional buyers often examine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Crown angle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Pavilion angle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Table %<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Depth %<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Lower girdle facets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Star facets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Hearts and Arrows precision<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • ASET images<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Ideal Scope images<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            These provide a much clearer picture of real optical performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Some Excellent Cut diamonds outperform others significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n\n\n\n

                            Real-World Example<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                            Imagine two diamonds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Diamond A<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • 1.00 ct<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • F Colour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • VS2<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Excellent Cut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Diamond B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              • 1.05 ct<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • F Colour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • VS2<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Very Good Cut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Without seeing them side by side, many buyers would choose Diamond B because it is larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                However, in person, Diamond A may appear:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Brighter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • More lively<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • More colourful<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Better defined<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • More eye-catching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                  This demonstrates why cut is often called the “multiplier” of beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  How Professionals Evaluate Cut<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                  Experienced jewellers rarely stop at the GIA cut grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  They also evaluate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Face-Up Brightness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Is the diamond bright across its entire surface?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Contrast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Does the diamond display crisp patterns between light and dark areas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Proper contrast makes sparkle appear sharper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are colourful flashes evenly distributed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Scintillation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Does the sparkle remain lively when the diamond moves?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Light Leakage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Special imaging tools reveal where light escapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  High-performance diamonds minimise leakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Should You Always Buy Excellent?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                  For most buyers purchasing a Round Brilliant diamond, the answer is generally yes<\/strong>, provided it fits comfortably within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  However, remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • Excellent is a starting point, not a guarantee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Proportions still matter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Light performance still matters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Visual inspection still matters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    If choosing between a poorly proportioned Excellent Cut and an exceptionally proportioned Very Good Cut, the Very Good diamond may actually be the better purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    This is why working with a knowledgeable jeweller who understands light performance is invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n\n\n\n

                                    Final Thoughts<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                    The difference between an Excellent Cut and a Very Good Cut is not simply a marketing label\u2014it reflects how efficiently a diamond transforms light into beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    While many Very Good Cut diamonds offer impressive sparkle and excellent value, an expertly proportioned Excellent Cut diamond remains the benchmark for maximum brilliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Rather than focusing solely on carat weight or colour, remember that the sparkle people admire first is almost always the result of exceptional cutting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    A beautifully cut diamond doesn’t just shine brighter\u2014it reveals the true artistry hidden within the stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n\n\n\n

                                    Key Takeaways<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    • Cut is the most important factor affecting a diamond’s sparkle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Excellent Cut diamonds generally deliver superior brilliance, fire, and scintillation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Very Good Cut diamonds can still offer excellent value and attractive performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Not all Excellent Cut diamonds are equal; proportions matter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Light performance depends on crown angle, pavilion angle, table size, depth, symmetry, and polish\u2014not just the overall cut grade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • If your budget is limited, reducing colour or clarity slightly to afford a better cut often produces a more beautiful diamond.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Always evaluate a diamond’s proportions and, where possible, review light-performance images in addition to the grading report.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                      When shopping for a diamond, many buyers naturally focus on the Four Cs: Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut. Of these, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-diamond-education"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=198"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":199,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/198\/revisions\/199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maisonfacelis.com\/journal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}