A Guide to The Most Popular Gemstone Cuts

Gemstones are some of the most precious and coveted materials on earth. They come in a dazzling array of colours and shapes, each with its unique beauty and brilliance. One of the most important factors in determining a gemstone's beauty is its cut. The cut of a gemstone refers to its shape, angles, and dimensions, which affect the way light interacts with the stone.

Here are some of the most popular cuts of gemstones:

Round Cut:

This is the most popular cut for diamonds and is characterised by a circular shape with 58 facets. Round cut gemstones are highly versatile and can be set in any type of jewellery, making them a timeless and classic choice. The round cut, also known as the brilliant cut, is a popular choice because of its ability to maximize a gemstone's fire and brilliance. The cut features 57 or 58 facets, including a large table facet, which allows light to enter and reflect off the gemstone at multiple angles, creating a dazzling effect.

An advantage of the round cut is its ability to hide flaws and inclusions within the gemstone. Because of its symmetrical shape and faceting pattern, the round cut can help to minimize the appearance of imperfections, making it an ideal choice for gemstones that may have some minor flaws.

Princess Cut

This cut is square or rectangular in shape with pointed corners, and it has a brilliant faceting pattern that maximises the stone's brilliance. Princess cut gemstones are a popular choice for engagement rings. Their distinctive square shape and brilliant sparkle have made them a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals alike.

The princess cut was first introduced in the 1960s as an alternative to the classic round brilliant cut. It quickly gained popularity for its modern and edgy appearance, which appealed to a new generation of consumers looking for something different.

What sets the princess cut apart from other gemstone cuts is its unique faceting pattern. Unlike other cuts, which tend to have a larger number of smaller facets, the princess cut has a smaller number of larger facets that reflect light in a distinct and captivating way.

The princess cut is typically used for diamonds, but it can also be used for other precious and semi-precious gemstones. Some of the most popular gemstones that are cut in the princess style include sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

Emerald Cut:

This cut is rectangular with cut corners and step-like facets. It is ideal for showcasing the clarity and colour of a gemstone, making it a popular choice for emeralds and other coloured gemstones.

Emerald cut gemstones are a popular choice for those who appreciate the elegance and sophistication of a more understated gemstone cut. With their clean lines and elongated rectangular shape, emerald cut gemstones have a unique appeal that sets them apart from other cuts.

The emerald cut is a step cut that features a rectangular or square shape with truncated corners. Unlike the brilliant cut, which maximizes a gemstone's fire and brilliance, the emerald cut focuses on the gemstone's clarity and depth. The cut features parallel facets that run across the gemstone's surface, creating a series of steps that reflect light at a lower intensity.

Cushion Cut:

This cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets that enhance the stone's brilliance. Cushion cut gemstones have a vintage appeal and are often used in antique-inspired jewellery designs.

The cushion cut is a modified brilliant cut that features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, creating a pillow-like appearance. The cut features 58 facets, including a large table facet and elongated facets that run parallel to the gemstone's length. This unique faceting pattern allows light to enter and reflect off the gemstone at multiple angles, creating a dazzling effect that is sure to capture the attention of anyone who sees it.

One of the benefits of the cushion cut is its ability to combine the brilliance and fire of a round cut with the unique shape of a square or rectangular cut. The cushion cut is designed to maximize a gemstone's brilliance and sparkle while creating a soft, romantic appearance that is both classic and modern.

Oval Cut:

Oval cut gemstones are a popular choice for those looking for a unique and elegant alternative to the traditional round cut. With their elongated shape and brilliant faceting pattern, oval cut gemstones are a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals alike.

The oval cut is a modified brilliant cut that features 56 to 58 facets, including a large table facet and elongated facets that run parallel to the gemstone's length. This unique faceting pattern allows light to enter and reflect off the gemstone at multiple angles, creating a dazzling effect that is sure to capture the attention of anyone who sees it.

Pear Cut:

This cut is teardrop-shaped with a point on one end and a rounded edge on the other. It is a popular choice for pendants and earrings, and it can also be used in engagement rings. The pear cut is a hybrid of the round and marquise cuts, featuring a pointed end and rounded bottom. The cut typically features 58 facets, including a large table facet and elongated facets that run parallel to the gemstone's length.

One of the benefits of the pear cut is its ability to combine the elegance and brilliance of the round cut with the unique shape of the marquise cut. The pear cut is designed to maximize a gemstone's sparkle and brilliance while creating a soft, romantic appearance that is both classic and modern.

Overall, the cut of a gemstone plays a crucial role in its beauty and overall value. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a unique pear cut, there is a gemstone cut to suit every taste and style. We hope this short guide to the most popular gemstone cuts has helped you!

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Until next time jewellery makers!

JM