Spread Cut Diamond Basics, Pros and Cos, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on what is known as the spread diamond. Also referred to as a spready diamond or shallow-cut diamond, this is a style where in many cases, the diamond will appear larger than the carat weight would indicate, even compared to other diamonds of a similar weight.

At AAA Jewelers, we’re proud to offer quality GIA diamonds for everything from engagement rings to wedding rings, fashion jewelry and more. While the spread diamond style is desirable for some buyers, there will be others who won’t prefer this and will want to look in another direction. Which of these camps do you fall in, and what are some tips we can offer on making your selection if you do choose to go this route? Today’s part two of our series will dig into these themes.

Benefits of Spread Diamonds

As we’ve gone over prior to this point in our series, the primary benefit of a spread diamond cut is the way the stone appears larger than it actually is. While you might pay the exact same price for another stone of the same weight that looks significantly smaller, the shallow cut allows you to level up from a size perspective.

And while we’ll go over some of the trade-offs here in a moment, these can be managed to a large degree. While spread diamonds do often sacrifice a bit of shine or brilliance, you can mitigate this in a few different ways – and of course, this factor doesn’t simply mean that spread diamonds carry no sparkle, just that they often carry less than other stones.

Possible Downsides of Spread Diamonds

As we noted above, the lack of brilliance and sparkle due to the shallow cut depth of the stone is the major downside here. In addition, spread cuts are a bit more prone to chipping, and they may be tougher to exchange or upgrade due to the lower value they hold long-term.

However, these aren’t deal breakers for many people. Those with limited budgets can’t always get every diamond quality they want, and will have to prioritize; for those who count size as one of their top desires, this option is a great one.

Choosing a Spread Diamond

If you do choose to move forward with a spread diamond purchase, the first big task is deciding how much brilliance you can stand sacrificing for a combination of size and financial savings. Know going in that your cut grade will not be high for this stone – that’s part of the deal. Be sure you ask for the diamond certificate and look at the carat grade so you’re clear on the actual size of the diamond.

For more on spread diamonds, or to learn about any of our diamond jewelry, diamond appraisals or other services, speak to the staff at AAA Jewelers today.