Visual Performance

How Brilliance, Fire and Beauty is Graded

What is Visual Performance?

Visual Performance is VeraLume™’s proprietary score reflecting brilliance, fire, and face-up beauty. It is calculated through a multi-factor analysis of cut precision, polish, symmetry, light behavior, and structural clarity. The system also evaluates advanced criteria often excluded from other reports, such as growth line visibility and subtle color tone, providing a more complete picture of a diamond’s true beauty.
VeraLume™’s proprietary score for brilliance, fire, and face-up beauty. It combines cut precision, polish, symmetry, and light behavior with advanced factors like growth line visibility and subtle color tone, giving a fuller picture of a diamond’s beauty.

Grade Scale

Because brilliance, fire, and beauty deserve to be measured with the same precision as cut and clarity.
Excellent
100
Very Good
89
Good
84
Fair
79
Poor
74
100
Excellent
89
Very Good
84
Good
79
Fair
74
Poor
Excellent (90–100%)
Very Good (85–89%)
Good (80-84%)
Fair (75-79%)
Poor (74% and less)

What This Grade Reflects

  • Appeal of the face-up shape outline
  • Precision of facet patterning
  • Consistency of light return
  • Minimization of dark areas
  • Strength of scintillation and contrast
  • Balance of proportions that enhance beauty

Experience the Diamond

Visual Performance, brought to life in 360°

Elements of Visual Performance

Beyond the 4Cs, Visual Performance reflects the artistry and science of diamond grading. Each factor shown here contributes to a score that captures true brilliance and beauty.

Color Tone

Subtle undertones are carefully identified, even in colorless grades, to ensure accurate evaluation.
Pure
Brown TINT
Grey TINT
Blue TINT

Growth Lines

Internal growth features are examined under magnification to determine their impact on transparency and brilliance.
None
Slight
Moderate
Distinct

Cut Grade

Round diamonds are graded against stricter standards than conventional labs. Unlike most grading systems, VeraLume™ also assigns
quantified cut grades to fancy shapes (non-round), based on depth and table percentages, facet angles, and proportions.
Ideal+
Ideal
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor

Facet Design

Crown and pavilion views illustrating exacting cutting styles that maximize face-up appearance, outline, and brilliance.
Crown and Pavillion Cut Diamond  Illustration.

Proportions

Profile view measuring depth, table, crown, and pavilion angles to assess cut precision.
Diamond Proportions Diagram.

ASET Analysis

Light performance map showing brightness, contrast, and areas of light leakage.
Diamond ASET Analysis.
Brightness
Less Bright
Light Leakage
Contrast

Hearts & Arrows

Symmetry patterns unique to round brilliants, confirming precise facet alignment.
Arrow Pattern on Diamond.
Arrow Image
Heart Pattern on Diamond.
Heart Image