Which of the following lists the seven cut factors?

• A. Brightness, Scintillation, Fire, Weight Ratio, Durability, Polish, Symmetry
• B. Color, Clarity, Carat, Fluorescence, Polish, Symmetry, Durability
• C. Table size, Crown height, Girdle thickness, Culet size, Polish, Symmetry, Clarity
• D. Brightness, Fire, Weight, Size, Durability, Polish, Symmetry

Answer: (A)

Cut quality in diamonds is judged by factors that describe how light is returned and how robust the cut is, focusing on light performance and physical suitability. The seven cut factors are brightness, scintillation, fire, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry. Brightness is the overall light return you see; scintillation refers to the pattern of light and dark flashes as the stone or observer moves; fire is the dispersion of light into colors. Weight ratio represents how much of the original rough is retained after cutting, which influences size and light performance. Durability covers the stone’s ability to withstand wear and potential damage from everyday use. Polish is the smoothness of the cut facet surfaces, affecting how cleanly light is reflected, and symmetry concerns how precisely the facets align, which affects the focus and distribution of light. This set is the only one that lists all the recognized cut factors, whereas the other options mix in non-cut factors (like color, clarity, or fluorescence) or dimensions (like table size or crown height) that aren’t part of the seven cut factors.