If you’ve been browsing diamonds, chances are you’ve stumbled across terms like Ideal Cut and Excellent Cut. At first glance, they sound almost the same—like two different words for “really shiny.” But if you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a once-in-a-lifetime piece, the details matter.
The tricky part? Most websites throw a lot of technical jargon at you without telling you what it actually means when you open that little velvet box. So let’s break it down in plain English.
First, Let’s Talk About “Cut”
When jewelers say “cut,” they’re not talking about the shape (round, oval, princess). They’re talking about how well the diamond has been crafted—the angles, the polish, the symmetry. A well-cut diamond doesn’t just sit on your finger; it dances with light. A poorly cut one? Even if it’s big, it’ll look flat and lifeless.
Want to see what different cuts look like in real life? Take a peek at our Engagement Rings Collection.
What Makes an Ideal Cut Diamond Special?
Think of Ideal Cut diamonds as the perfectionists of the jewelry world. They’re cut to incredibly strict proportions—basically, the “recipe” for maximum sparkle. Light goes in, bounces around just right, and comes back out in a burst of brilliance.
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Graded by: AGS (American Gem Society)
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Why people love it: Fire, brilliance, and sparkle at their absolute peak
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The catch: Rarity + craftsmanship = higher price tag
If you’re the kind of person who always wants “the best one,” this might be your diamond.
Explore our Lab-Grown Diamonds to see Ideal Cuts that deliver the same wow factor—without the hefty mined-diamond price.
So What’s an Excellent Cut Diamond Then?
Excellent Cut is the top grade from GIA (Gemological Institute of America). It’s not less beautiful—it’s just graded a little differently. The proportions are slightly broader, which means more diamonds qualify as Excellent compared to the very narrow Ideal range.
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Graded by: GIA
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Why people love it: Still incredibly sparkly—most people can’t tell the difference from Ideal with the naked eye
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The advantage: Usually a bit more affordable
Think of it this way: Ideal is like a Michelin 3-star restaurant. Excellent is a Michelin 2-star. Both are outstanding—you just decide how fancy your evening should be.
Quick Side-by-Side
|
Feature |
Ideal Cut |
Excellent Cut |
|
Grading Body |
AGS |
GIA |
|
Precision |
Ultra-strict |
Slightly broader |
|
Sparkle |
Absolute peak |
Practically identical |
|
Price |
Higher |
More flexible |
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s the honest answer: both are amazing.
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Go with Ideal Cut if you love the idea of owning the very best, and you don’t mind paying a premium.
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Choose Excellent Cut if you want brilliance that still turns heads but leaves you with room in your budget for, say, a honeymoon upgrade.
Not sure which suits you best? Our team at Exotic Diamonds will happily walk you through the options. Start browsing our Engagement Rings to see both side by side.
Final Thoughts
Diamonds are personal. At the end of the day, your partner won’t lean over the dinner table and say, “Hmm… is this Ideal or Excellent cut?” What they’ll notice is how it shines, how it feels, and the story behind it.
So whether you choose Ideal or Excellent, focus on what feels right for your love story and your budget.
Start your journey with us:
Because the perfect diamond isn’t just about grades—it’s about how it makes you feel.