Shopping for an engagement ring in Quebec and noticing the term “triple Excellent diamond” in product descriptions? It generally refers to a diamond that received an Excellent grade for cut, polish and symmetry on its gemological report. It is a good starting point, but not a guarantee that this stone will sparkle more than every other diamond. For a natural round diamond graded by GIA, these three grades describe specific aspects of its craftsmanship. They do not replace viewing the diamond or comparing it under different lighting conditions.
Here, cut does not mean carat weight or simply the diamond’s round shape. It refers, among other things, to proportions and how the facets work together to return light. Polish describes the quality of the surface finish; symmetry describes the consistency of the geometry and facet alignment. All three criteria matter, but they are not interchangeable. Excellent polish alone cannot compensate for less favourable proportions. To understand a diamond’s overall brilliance, the cut grade therefore deserves particular attention.
Why can two triple Excellent diamonds look different? Because GIA’s Excellent category accommodates several combinations of proportions. Some stones display more broad flashes of light, while others have a more fragmented sparkle. Their apparent diameter can also vary at the same carat weight. As a general reference, a 1-carat round diamond often measures around 6.4 to 6.5 mm in diameter, although this is not an absolute rule. Compare the measurements on the reports: some of the weight may sit in the depth rather than the width visible on the hand.
Table and depth percentages can help with an initial selection, but they cannot deliver a verdict on their own. The table is the large facet on top; its percentage expresses its width relative to the diamond’s diameter. Total depth is also expressed as a percentage of that diameter. However, these figures must be considered alongside the crown and pavilion angles, which interact with each other. Avoid choosing a stone simply because two numbers match a formula found online. Instead, ask how its overall proportions influence its appearance.
To make a practical comparison between two stones, ask for a video taken under identical conditions, ideally against a neutral background and without filters. Observe them under diffuse light, then under spot lighting that brings out flashes. A stone should not be judged only under a display case’s spotlights. Look at it face-up and as it moves slightly: do you see a pleasing alternation of light and dark areas, or an area that stays dark in several positions? Contrast is normal in a diamond; a single photo with a dark centre is not enough to establish a flaw.
Should you pay more to get three Excellent grades? Not automatically. At comparable colour, clarity and carat weight, consider what the premium actually adds to the visible result. A diamond with an Excellent cut grade and Very Good symmetry may be worth comparing with a triple Excellent stone; the visible difference is not necessarily obvious without magnification. Conversely, a small saving is not worthwhile if the stone looks less lively to you. Ask for both prices before tax, then the applicable total in Quebec, so you can compare amounts presented on the same basis.
Be careful with listing terminology, too: “triple Excellent,” “Ideal” and “super ideal” are not automatically equivalent. Always check the laboratory, the type of diamond and the grades actually shown on the report. At GIA, the overall cut grade used for this comparison applies to standard round brilliant diamonds in the D-to-Z colour range. This shorthand should not be applied to an oval or an emerald-cut diamond. For an IGI report, read its own grading scale rather than assuming that a designation corresponds exactly to GIA’s.
The best choice remains a diamond whose report, appearance and price work for you together. At AUCLAIRE, a family-owned jewellery house in Montreal, centre diamonds are GIA- or IGI-certified, and every piece comes with an AUCLAIRE certificate of authenticity. To move forward without getting lost in technical terms, you can ask the workshop for three certified round diamond options within the same budget range, along with their measurements, cut grades and prices before tax. This provides a concrete starting point for discussing the differences and choosing the stone you genuinely love.
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