Shallow or deep diamonds will lose light out the sides and bottom. They do not have the same scintillation as ideally cut diamonds. They appear with dark grey and black polygons when viewed from the top...these are the facets that are not reflecting light back out the top. In short, there is no "fire".

Also, shallow and wide diamonds are cheaper for the manufacturer because of their lighter total carat weight for the same millimeter size. They are also cheaper to buy from diamond suppliers because of the lower quality cut.

One ring with 50 stones could weigh 1/2ctw, while a similar looking ring could weigh 1/3ctw. The price difference could shock you. The difference is more than just weight...the lower quality stones are bought cheaply by the manufacturer. If the seller is honest, this cost savings is passed on to the consumer.

Always ask the color, clarity, and cut of the side stones. If the seller says, "I don't know", then know that you are getting cheap goods. Sellers of fine jewelry (HI/VS goods) will tell you proudly. Those who sell lower quality (and who are honest) will tell you that they are "SI" or "I", or sometimes use the term "Indian" to refer to lower quality goods that are made cheaply by Indian manufacturers.

Cheap isn't good. It's just less expensive. As long as you are not paying top dollar, and you like what you see, no sense paying more money than you can afford.

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