Sounds impressive, right? “Triple Excellent.” But what does it actually mean?

If you’ve spent any time browsing diamond certificates or talking to jewelers, you’ve probably heard the term “Triple Excellent.” It sounds like the elite, the best of the best. And yes, it’s a quality marker—but here’s the thing: it doesn’t always mean what you think it means. So before you pay a premium for that shiny “Triple Ex” badge, let’s break down what it is, why it matters, and when it might not be the magic stamp you think it is.

What does “Triple Excellent” actually refer to?

Triple Excellent (sometimes written as 3EX) is a grading designation used by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the most widely respected diamond grading authority in the world. It applies only to round brilliant cut diamonds, and it means the diamond received an Excellent grade in all three of the following:

• Cut: How well the diamond’s proportions and angles maximize brilliance and light return.

• Polish: The smoothness of the diamond’s surface, affecting how cleanly light travels.

• Symmetry: How well the facets align and mirror each other, impacting overall sparkle and visual balance.

It’s a good thing to have—all three of these factors contribute to how bright, sparkly, and “alive” a diamond looks when the light hits it.

Why Triple Excellent diamonds are considered top-tier

Let’s give credit where it’s due. Triple Excellent diamonds are usually stunning. When you combine precision cutting with flawless polish and perfect symmetry, the result is that crisp, razor-sharp sparkle that turns heads. These diamonds often reflect light with optimal fire (rainbow flashes) and brilliance (white sparkle). They photograph well, perform under store lights and daylight, and tend to have excellent value retention. If you want a diamond that looks its best under scrutiny, 3EX is a strong place to start.

But here’s where things get interesting...

A Triple Excellent grade doesn’t automatically mean a diamond is the best or even that it will look better than a non-3EX stone. Why? Because GIA’s grading only evaluates certain aspects—and it does so within ranges. A diamond can score “Excellent” even if it falls at the very top or bottom end of the allowed proportion scale. And just because it’s “technically” excellent doesn’t mean it performs well to the human eye.

Let’s talk about what GIA’s grading doesn’t include

GIA doesn’t grade optical performance. That means they’re not measuring how much light is actually coming back out of the diamond in practice. Two diamonds with identical 3EX grades could have noticeably different sparkle levels depending on their precise proportions. They also don’t factor in things like:

• Hearts & Arrows patterning (an indicator of super-precise cutting)

• Light leakage seen in ASET or Ideal Scope images

• Visual spread (how big the diamond appears vs. its weight)

So yes, you could have a 3EX stone that’s cut too deep and looks small for its carat weight, or one that leaks light despite having all the “right” numbers on paper.

So… are Triple Excellent diamonds worth the premium?

In many cases, yes—but with a caveat. If you're shopping online or without access to magnified images and performance tools, Triple Excellent is a safe filter to use. You're reducing your risk of buying a poorly made diamond. But if you're working with a jeweler who provides Ideal Scope images, videos, or ASET data, you might find a “Very Good” cut diamond that actually performs better than a 3EX one—at a lower price. Sometimes, diamonds just outside the 3EX range look virtually identical to the eye but cost hundreds less. So if you’re looking for value, don’t be afraid to explore the edges.

Common myths around 3EX diamonds

Myth 1: All Triple Excellent diamonds sparkle the same
Nope. Sparkle depends on light return, which is influenced by how the proportions interact, not just their individual scores.

Myth 2: Triple Excellent means no visible flaws
Wrong again. A 3EX grade doesn’t take clarity into account. You could have a flawless diamond or one with a big black inclusion right in the center—they could both be 3EX.

Myth 3: Only Triple Excellent diamonds are worth buying
Far from it. In fact, many Very Good cut diamonds offer incredible performance. Some even argue that AGS Ideal or TrueHearts diamonds (from other labs or vendors) are cut to even stricter standards.

So how should you shop smart?

If you're someone who wants the best of the best, and you want a round diamond with zero compromise, then by all means—Triple Excellent should be on your list. But if you're someone who values visual performance and wants to get more for your money, don’t let the 3EX label be your only guide. Here’s what to do instead:

• Ask for actual photos or videos of the diamond under real lighting

• Request ASET or Ideal Scope images to see light performance

• Compare spread, sparkle, and price—even if one isn’t labeled 3EX

• Work with a jeweler who knows how to interpret proportions, not just grades

Final thoughts

Triple Excellent is like ordering the premium option on the menu—you’re likely getting something great. But sometimes, the best meal isn’t the one with the fanciest name, it’s the one that hits all the right notes for your taste. So if a 3EX diamond fits your budget and dazzles your eyes—amazing. If you’re open to exploring options just outside the “perfect” grade, you might find a hidden gem (literally). In the end, it’s not just about what the paper says—it’s about how that diamond makes you feel every time you see it catch the light.