When an Old Mine Cut’s report records Fair symmetry, ask which features contributed to the grade and where they sit on the stone. Then compare an oriented magnified view with a clean face-up view at your usual viewing distance.
Read the two finish entries separately
Polish describes the condition of the facet surfaces. Symmetry describes the exactness of the outline and the shape, placement and alignment of facets. GIA assesses the relevant features at 10x magnification and grades each entry from Excellent to Poor. Its polish and symmetry terminology guide explains the features behind those entries.
A polish assessment can include scratches, pits or polish lines. A symmetry assessment can include differences in facet shape, an off-centre culet or uneven outline. GIA also records cumulative effects when several symmetry features contribute together. Ask for the recorded features and an image identifying their positions.
Very Good polish, Fair symmetry: a real example
Our 1.52 ct D SI1 Old Mine Cushion, IC-05732, carries GIA report 6481147907, dated 28 December 2023. The laboratory cutting style is Old Mine Brilliant. Under Additional Grading Information, the report records Very Good polish and Fair symmetry.
GIA gives submitting laboratory clients access to detailed finish assessments through Item Details in My Laboratory, as explained in its finish guide. Ask whether those details are available for the stone. If they are, request an image identifying each recorded feature and its position. A current specialist examination can supply the viewing evidence needed for your decision.
Use the clip to follow the visible central pattern. For the finish assessment, request a straight-on image with the whole perimeter clear, followed by an oriented 10x view of the recorded features. Small changes in camera angle make a casual outline comparison harder.
Match the evidence to the question
| What you want to understand | What to request |
|---|---|
| The features behind the finish grade | Available laboratory Item Details, plus an oriented magnified image identifying each feature. |
| How those features look face-up | A clean stone, full perimeter visible, at a stated distance and lighting, with a slow turn. |
| The stone’s current condition | A loose-stone examination of the girdle, corners and facet surfaces, considered with the intended setting. |
For comparison, the 7.51 ct D IF Cushion Brilliant, IC-01706, has Very Good polish and Good symmetry on GIA report 6197517643. These two reports pair the same polish grade with different symmetry grades. Read both entries before planning the close-up inspection.
Our asymmetry article covers shape preferences and setting considerations. Use the report guide to match the document to the stone and the condition guide for the physical checks.
Browse the diamond collection or request a private selection. Ask us for the report, available finish details and a private inspection of the diamond you are considering.
