What are the different types of gemstone cuts? Understanding Different Types

One Loose Gemstones or faceted gemstones have been a fascination to the gemstone buyers for many reasons apart from their aesthetic appeal. However, the other main reason is also mainly due to their scarcity coupled with the artistic faceting skills in cutting and carving  them into beautiful shapes from raw stones. 

The faceted cut shape of the gemstone, comparatively raw stones, is one of the key points which does affect the beauty of the gemstone by enhancing the stone brightness, hardness. After cutting or faceting, the stone beauty is enhanced and it becomes perfect for jewelry making. The shapes give you an opportunity to fixing the stones in different types of gemstone jewelry and ornaments. Here, we have highlighted by selection of some popular gemstone shapes that are existing in the market. Each shape is described with their unique different features.

What are popular gemstone shapes?

There are hundreds of gemstone shapes available in both faceted and loose forms, including emerald cut, cushion cut, round, oval, and many others. It is challenging to cover every shape in a single article, so we will focus on the most popular gemstone shapes in cut form. These shapes are particularly favored by buyers for jewelry pieces such as engagement rings, wedding rings, anniversary gifts, necklaces, and earrings.

1. Round Cut Stones

About the shape, Round Cut is also called Brilliant Cut.  This is the most famous  shape cut for all types of gems stones. However, this is most popular especially for diamonds.

Round have 58 facets which cause the stones to reflect light in a way

The best cut at the end of the day, is the round cut of a diamond that is indeed the only cut that contains almost 58 facets which cause the diamond to reflect light in a beautiful way the next best cut is the Princess cut, although the Princess do provide close competition to round but when it comes to quality and price overall we as diamond experts always recommend round cut as the Princess or other similar cuts have to be perfect to get the same effect as a round diamond.

2. Princess Cut

A princess cut is a square or rectangular cut that showcases

the diamond's four corners as well as multiple facets for added brilliance.This cut that combines the round and square cuts is the second most popular among engagement rings because of the traditional and delicate appearance. The princess cut is celebrated for its incredible brilliance and different geometric appeal.

3. Emerald Cut

Especially the rectangular shape and the lack of prisms are typical for the emerald cut.

There are facets arranged in steps, giving this shape a hall of mirrors effect that displays the clarity and colour of the gemstone instead of the brilliance. A MESA type classic, which is a very elegant and antique cut typically used for emerald and diamond.

4. Oval Cut

Oval: Developed with the same dimensions as a round cut, it is only polished in an oval shape.

Its oblong shape give the illusion of a larger gemstone and is a favorite due to those who want a little bit of sparkle and size. An oval cut is also well-suited to rings, necklaces and earrings alike.

5. Marquise Cut

The marquise shaped gemstone is known as the " navette cut". This type of gemstone cut has elongated shape while having two pointed ends.

This shape is popular for resemblance to the smile of " the Marquise de Pompadour", the King of France's mistress, when he was being sliced. Marquise shape looks perfect in rings. It can have increase in weight. It can create larger effects.

6. Pear Cut

Pear cut is also popular for " Tear Drop Shape Faceted Stone". It has one round side with one side as Marquise shape. it looks like a pear or Tear drop. 

On one side, It has a rounded end tapering to a point, lending a nice appearance. While setting in gemstone ring, the pear shape gemstone will make your fingers look longer.

7. Cushion Cut

The cushion cut is referred to the stone type shape that is rectangular having  rounded corners. These shapes are usually larger in dimension while having larger facets.

This type of cut has been popular for centuries. These are famous for its gentle vintages appearance. The cushion shaped gemstone or cut is a versatile and suitable for stones like tourmaline, emeralds, peridots. 

8. Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut is similar to that emerald cut. These type cuts feature a square shape dimension with an even higher crown.

This cut was introduced by  the early 1900 s by the twin brothers. The owned a diamond cutting company in Amsterdam known as Asscher bros. The cut has deeply molded corners with octagonal  look. This add to the cut’s appearance quite unique than other gemstones. This cut is popular for diamonds or emeralds mainly. 

9. Radiant Cut

This is a derivative of a traditional emerald shape mixed with round brilliance.

This type of cut stones have a rectangular or square form with 4 sides cut corners plus numerous facets, which make it really sparkle. The radiant cut is also easy going, and it comes in a rather more recent baguette shape, then making it a favorite for those who wish to achieve a good shimmer with elegance.

10. Heart Cut

One of the more iconic of the cuts, the heart cut bear’s a heart-shape in some way, though not as defined as with the heart design cut.

There are few things that can be overdone but it is a true art to design a perfect circle or oval. The heart cut is a favourite for setups that derive from hearts like engagements and anniversary, and is preferable for rings and pendants.

Conclusion

Gemstone shapes are determined by the cutter and the primary considerations are those that make what the cutter wants to achieve and what the client wants as the final product. Whether general or tapered, round shaped jewel is defined by superior brilliance while emerald shaped jewel always has that vintage feel. With these cuts established, one is well placed to make a decision in , case he or she has to choose a piece of jewelry to purchase.