Pictured: Marquise Solitaire by Jwllry by Jade
In this blog, we delve into the various gemstone cuts available, exploring their distinct shapes, the sparkle they produce, and how they influence the overall appearance of the stone. Whether you’re selecting a gem for an engagement ring or a special piece of jewellery, understanding these cuts will help you make an informed decision. We'll look at traditional favourites like the elegant emerald cut, romantic heart shapes, and innovative designs like the radiant cut, each offering a different angle of beauty. So, let's get to it!
Round Cut
The round cut is arguably the most popular gemstone cut in the world, cherished for its versatility and exceptional brilliance. This cut features numerous facets that are precisely arranged to maximize light reflection, resulting in a display of sparkling beauty that's second to none. Its symmetrical shape not only contributes to its lustre but also offers great flexibility in setting styles, making it a perennial favourite for engagement rings and other fine jewellery.
Round Cut 0.77ct Teal Sapphire Halley Triad by Lelya
Oval Cut
The oval cut is a modern take on the traditional round cut, offering a unique elongated shape that can make the gemstone appear larger and the wearer’s finger more slender. This cut combines the brilliant facets similar to a round cut with a longer silhouette, enhancing the stone’s sparkle while providing a distinctive look. Oval cut gemstones are often chosen for their ability to stand out, making them a favourite for statement pieces and engagement rings alike.
Oval Claw Set Diamond Ring by Natalia Rafi Jewellery
Emerald Cut
The emerald cut is distinguished by its step-cut facets and a rectangular shape, which together highlight the clarity of the gemstone with understated elegance. This cut offers a different type of sparkle, known as the 'hall of mirrors' effect, which creates broad flashes of light rather than the fiery brilliance seen in more traditional cuts. Its clean lines and open table make inclusions more visible, hence it often requires a stone of higher clarity.
Pear Cut
Known for its distinctive teardrop shape, the pear cut combines the qualities of both round and marquise cuts, culminating in a single point with a rounded opposite end. This unique shape is often chosen for its artistic appeal and the way it elongates the finger when set in rings. The pear cut is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of jewellery styles from elegant drop earrings to sophisticated engagement rings. Its asymmetrical appearance provides a flattering and eye-catching look.
Princess Cut
The princess cut is celebrated for its sharp, angular lines and contemporary square shape, making it a favourite for those seeking a touch of modern elegance in their jewellery. Known for its vibrant brilliance, this cut features both a unique face-up shape and a modified brilliant facet arrangement that emits a great deal of light. It's a popular choice for engagement rings due to its sophisticated flair and the way it captures the eye with its geometric precision.
Salt and Pepper Diamond Smokey Princess Cut by Sarah Hickey Jewellery
Radiant Cut
The radiant cut is a vibrant and modern choice that combines the brilliance of a round cut with the classic emerald cut’s elegant lines. This intensely sparkly, rectangular-shaped gemstone cut features trimmed corners and a mix of step and brilliant-cut facets that enhance both its sparkle and durability. The radiant cut is increasingly popular among those who seek a contemporary look without sacrificing brilliance.
Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring by Jodie Gearing
Heart Cut
The heart cut is the quintessential symbol of love and affection, making it an ideal choice for romantic gestures such as engagement rings and anniversary gifts. This cut requires a high level of craftsmanship to ensure the proportions and symmetry of the heart shape are perfect, which enhances its exceptional sparkle.
Garnet Heart Necklace by Jo Cooper
Marquise Cut
The marquise cut is notable for its elongated shape with pointed ends, which gives it a striking and unique appearance. This cut is renowned for its ability to maximise carat weight, giving the illusion of a larger stone that elongates the finger when worn. Its history dates back to the French royal court, where it was commissioned to mimic the smile of a marquise.
Tourmaline Trilogy 9ct Gold Ring by Áille Jewellery
Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut is a captivating hybrid that blends the intricate step cuts of an emerald with the deeper, squared shape reminiscent of a princess cut. It features a high crown and a unique X-shaped facet pattern seen through its table, giving it a distinctive, almost hypnotic appeal. Developed in the early 20th century, the Asscher cut has gained a reputation for its understated sophistication and vintage charm.
4ct Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Halo Ring by Gemdaia
Cushion Cut
The cushion cut, with its square shape and rounded corners, combines a classic cut with modern appeal. This cut is known for its ability to retain colour and its intense sparkle, thanks to its larger facets. It has been a beloved choice for more than a century, blending the appeal of the old mine cut with a more modern design. The cushion cut's romantic and vintage look makes it highly sought after for engagement rings and vintage-inspired jewellery.
Gold Peridot Cocktail Ring by Emily Lisbeth Jewellery
