According to the GIA's cut grading system, very good cut diamonds fall between an Excellent (EX) cut grade and Good (G).

GIA Excellent Cut Diamonds

A diamond with an Excellent grade is the best diamond cut quality you can get. It's going to be bright with a lovely even pattern, as well as an even contrast between light and dark areas. A good pattern and balanced contrast allow for well-proportioned, sharp reflections.

GIA Very Good Cut Diamonds

Very Good cut diamonds will have the brightness of an Excellent cut diamond but will have some dark areas. These dark areas are usually in the center of the diamond but can also be found around the edges.

GIA Good Cut Diamonds

A diamond with a Good cut grade is beautiful but not as bright as an Excellent cut. Its reflections are not as sharp, and it will be a darker, duller appearing diamond.

Depending on the diamond, it may be difficult to tell the difference between Excellent and Very Good cut diamonds with the naked eye alone. This is especially helpful information if you're on a budget.

You can confidently purchase a beautiful round brilliant cut diamond with a Very Good cut rating knowing its sparkle can rival an Excellent cut.

The most widely used cut grading system for evaluating diamonds was created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Over 15 years, the GIA created and tested its grading system on countless diamonds. To do this, time was spent studying how light moves inside diamonds--particularly inside round brilliant diamonds.

The GIA's diamond cut grades refer specifically to round brilliant cut diamonds and don't include any other diamond shape. When evaluating a fancy shape, a diamond's cut is not considered. But the remaining three of the 4Cs (color, carat weight, and clarity) apply when analyzing a fancy shape diamond quality.

The GIA cut grade system evaluates diamonds on a 5-point scale from Excellent to Poor.

A GIA cut evaluation includes:

How Diamonds Appear When Looked at Face Up

When considering appearance, the main attributes an evaluator looks for are a diamond's brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

How the Diamond Was Designed

A well cut diamond should be durable and have the right carat weight.

Quality of Craftsmanship

Artistry quality is essential, especially considering how much care goes into polishing and aligning the diamond facets.

Very Good cut quality diamonds are an excellent choice, especially for diamond engagement rings. In most cases, they can look just as stunning to the naked eye as Excellent grade diamonds. Plus, they come with a more attractive price tag.

With the money you save on choosing a Very Good cut over an Excellent cut diamond, you can choose a more ornate setting or upgrade your wedding ring. You can even upgrade your round brilliant diamond for something a bit larger!

We have you covered if you want an impressive diamond cut grade at a good price. We offer some of the best, Very Good cut lab grown diamonds available on the market. Prices vary based on carat weight, color, and clarity, but they start at just over $500.

Browse our Very Good cut grade diamonds.