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Diamond Buyers Guide

Diamond's Symmetry

Diamond Symmetry is perhaps the most important aspect to a diamond's beauty. It is the heart of its radiance and fire. It is what makes customer stop and stare at a piece of jewelry because it is what generates the love for diamond. A diamond's symmetry is what determines how much light can be reflected through all it facets. In technical terms it refers to how accurately the facets align and intersect. Factors that deter light exposing that radiance are extra or misshapen facets, off center culets and table or wavy girdles. Rough diamonds have many natural defects so diamond cutters will purposely push for a minor imperfection in symmetry to allow for a balance when finished. When certifying a diamond, symmetry is shown to rank from Poor-Excellent.

Symmetry also has an impact on the price of the stone. A diamond that has excellent symmetry and excellent polish is generally more expensive than a good-fair ranking in both categories. It is perceived to have higher value and lower noticeable defects.

Symmetry Grade Description
Excellet No symmetry defects visible under 10x magnification.
Very Good Any defects are very difficult to see under 10x magnification.
Good Any defects are difficult to see under 10x magnification.
Fair Defects are noticeable at 10x magnification, and may be visible to the unaided eye.
Poor Defects are visible to the unaided eye.