One of the three cut factor categories includes polish and symmetry. Which statement is correct?

• A. Three cut factor categories: craftsmanship, polish, symmetry.
• B. Two cut factor categories: polish and symmetry.
• C. Four cut factor categories: brightness, fire, scintillation, durability.
• D. Craftsmanship is not a cut factor.

Answer: (A)

The point being tested is how cut is organized into distinct factors. In GIA-style thinking, cut is evaluated through three factor categories: craftsmanship, polish, and symmetry. Polish looks at the smoothness and quality of the facet surfaces; better polish means less surface reach that scatters light and a stronger, cleaner return. Symmetry measures how precisely the facets are cut and aligned, which affects how light is directed and can influence sparkle and brightness. Craftsmanship, often aligning with proportions, covers the overall geometry and relationship of the facets—the way the diamond’s shape and facet angles work together to optimize light return.

So the statement that three cut factor categories exist—craftsmanship, polish, and symmetry—is correct, because it reflects how the cut is broken down into a build‑quality sense (craftsmanship/proportions) and two finish aspects (polish and symmetry) that directly impact light performance. The other options misstate the number of categories or mischaracterize craftsmanship.