This is possibly the most critical factor to consider when buying a diamond. The quality of the cut is the first thing you will notice when looking at a diamond, even if you don't realise it. The cut or "make" of a diamond is what gives the stone scintillation - in other words - what makes it sparkle. Perfection in polish and symmetry are what mankind adds to the raw beauty of a diamond and a master diamond cutter will have the skill to cut the stone in such a way that the light is refracted from one facet to another to finally burst through the top of the diamond in a display of brilliance. Not all diamonds are cut like this - in fact most are cut to gain the most yield from the rough.