What is an Asteios Diamond?

An “Asteios” diamond is a “Super Ideal” brilliant cut diamond. An ideal cut diamond is a round brilliant cut diamond that has been cut to high standards which result in a brighter, more colourful, well performing diamond.

This is achieved by cutting the diamond to ideal proportions. Aside from the colour and clarity of a diamond, how well it has been cut is one of the most important factors. The finest quality ideal cut diamonds with precisely aligned facets display a unique Hearts & Arrows Pattern when viewed through a special symmetry scope.

If the diamond has been cut to excellent proportions, when viewed from the crown (top) of the diamond, you will see a circle of perfectly aligned arrows radiating from the center of the diamond. When viewed from the pavilion (lower section) of the diamond, you will see a circle of hearts radiating from the centre of the diamond.

AGS 000 Grading

Asteios diamonds are certified by the American Gem Society (AGS). AGS is one of the largest diamond grading laboratories in the world. They have developed a Cut grade scale that has 11 grades from – 0 through 10. 0 is the best (ideal cut) and 10 is the worst (poorly cut).

0 = Ideal

1 = Excellent

2 = Very Good

3-4 = Good

5-7 = Fair

8-10 = Poor

On the certificate there are 3 sub categories under the Cut Grade: Polish, Symmetry and Proportions. When a diamond goes to the AGS lab to be graded, if it is graded 0 in all of these 3 categories then it is labeled “Ideal Cut”.

The Proportions of the diamond are measured on a machine called the “Sarin DiaMension Machine. It is a computer-operated machine that measures the angles of the facets of a diamond.

For a diamond to be labeled “Ideal”, the proportions of the facets must fall within the following parameters: Table Diameter: 52.4% to 57.5% Crown Angle: 33.7º to 35.8º Girdle Thickness: Thin to slightly thick Pavilion Depth: 42.2% to 43.8% Culet Size: Pointed to medium.

Laser Etching

Every Asteios diamond has a laser-etched girdle (this is the rim of the diamond). It states the AGS certificate number, the weight of the diamond, the colour & clarity and has the Asteios brand etched into it as well.