The cut of a gemstone is one of its important characteristics. Many people choose jewellery based purely on the shape of the central stone. However, many people do not realise just how many different gemstone cuts exist. Today, we will see popular gemstone cuts explained. Gemstone cutting can be a very complicated task. Someone who shapes gemstones is referred to as a gem cutter. They must have several years of training and a good eye for how best to cut a gemstone before they are considered qualified. Gemstone cutting is a specialised talent that can make or break a piece of jewellery. Rough gemstones are a beautiful natural product, but to achieve the sparkling look many desire in their jewellery, a gem needs to be cut with many facets. If you are searching for your perfect gemstone cut, keep reading for popular gemstone cuts explained.
Most Popular Gemstone Cuts Explained
Pear
The Pear gemstone cut dates all the way back to the mid-15th century. It has been a staple of jewellery design for centuries and is favoured for its elegant shape. The shape flawlessly combines the Round and Marquise cut to create a statement shape. This gemstone cut has become a very popular choice for engagement rings in recent years due to its incredibly chic and classic design. Pear-cut gemstones are often considered to be very elegant as their shape elongates the finger for a very delicate look on the hand.
If you are interested in Pear cut gemstones, click here to browse them on our website.
Heart
The Heart cut is often to be thought one of the most romantic due to its adorable shape. Heart-cut gemstones are a more unusual and rare option, making them perfect for those who love to stand out from the crowd. Historians have found that the earliest mention of heart-shaped gemstones was in the 1400s, proving that this unique shape has been a staple in gemstone cutting for centuries. A gem cutter must take great care when creating this shape as cutting the cleft into the heart can be quite risky. When this shape is perfectly cut, it will have a big impact.
If Heart cut gemstones have caught your eye, click here to see them on our website.
Round Brilliant
The Round Brilliant gemstone cut is the most popular cut in jewellery making. This cut perfectly accentuates the signature sparkle of a diamond. Many engagement rings feature a Round Brilliant diamond at their centre to ensure the ring catches the light with every movement of the hand. This cut wastes very little of the rough diamond, making it a great option for jewellers. The modern Round Brilliant diamond should be cut with 58 facets to ensure that light is flawlessly reflected within the stone. This classic style is sure to be a staple for many years to come.
If Round Brilliant gemstones are your favourite, click here to view them on our website.
Irregular
Irregular cut gemstones are exactly as they sound. They do not have a prescribed shape. This makes them perfect for people who love to wear a more natural gemstones look that is sure to stand out from the crowd. A major benefit of irregular gemstones is that the cut can be perfectly curated to the individual gemstone. This means minimal waste and a totally unique look. This cut tends to lends itself to more unusual and coloured gemstones to create a statement look.
If you like the uniqueness of an Irregular cut gemstone, click here to find your perfect piece of jewellery.
Cushion
The modern-day Cushion cut is inspired by the mich older Old Mine cut from the 1700s. At the time, this was the most popular gemstone cut. This cut was favoured as it allows the gem cutter to retain more of the carat of the stone. This makes a gemstone more valuable as it will be a larger size. This gemstone cut exhibits a square shape with neatly rounded corners. In modern gem cutting, the Round Brilliant cut has overtaken the Cushion cut in terms of sparkle. However, the Cushion cut is a beautiful choice for those who are searching for something with a vintage feel.
If you are interested in Cushion cut gemstones, click here to browse them on our website.
Baguette
The Baguette cut originated in the Art Deco era of the 1920s and 1930s. Due to this, it is often used in vintage-inspired and Art Deco themed jewellery pieces to create a striking design. The Baguette cut got its name due to its long, rectangular shape that is thought to resemble the French loaf. At the time, the Baguette cut was seen as a drastic departure from the more traditional, rounded shapes. It was most often worn by those who wanted to break the boundaries of fashion. Nowdays, gemstones in this shape are often used to frame central stones, or set in a pave design for maximum impact.
If Baguette cut gemstones have caught your eye, click here to see them on our website.
Emerald
Emerald cut gemstones are different from many other cuts as they do not sparkle in the same way. These gemstones are cut using steps rather than small facets. This means that the light is reflected in sheets to create a “hall of mirrors” effect. The Emerald cut is one of the oldest shapes. Its squared shape means that less pressure is placed on the gemstone during the cutting process, limiting the risk of damage to the gemstone. This gemstone cut got is name as traditionally, it was used on emeralds. However, in more recent decades it has been populaired in many other gemstones.
If Emerald cut gemstones are your favourite, click here to view them on our website.
Trilliant
The name of the Trilliant cut is a combination of the words ‘triangular’ and ‘brilliant’. This cut was given this name as it use the concept of the Round Brilliant cut but in the form of a more unique, triangular shape. This gemstone cut was created and introduced by the Asscher Brothers and has become a firm favourite of jewellery makers ever since. The unique cut truly stands out and will perfectly catch the light with the wearer’s every movement.
If the unique shape of the Trilliant cut has caught your eye, click here to find your new piece of jewellery.
Princess
The Princess cut is frequently used in the designs of engagement rings, making it a great alternative for people who would like something other than the traditional Round Brilliant cut. There is some debate amongst experts as to when this cut was first used, but it was truly embraced by the industry in the 1980s. The clean and sharp lines used in this cut give the jewellery a clean and minimalistic look. The Princess cut has a distinctly modern and timeless feel that makes these gemstones the perfect addition to any piece of jewellery.
If you are interested in Princess cut gemstones, click here to browse them on our website.
Oval
The Oval cut has becomes a true contender for most popular engagement ring cut in recent years. This cut offers a slight twist on the classic design. Its stunning oval shape has a very elegant look as it will elongate the finger. This cut was created in the 1960s. It is a brilliant choice for people on a budget, as often an Oval cut makes a gemstone look larger than it actually is. This cut lends itself to being used on the central stone of an engagement ring due to its timeless and distinctly feminine air.
If Oval cut gemstones are your favourite, click here to view them on our website.
Marquise
It is said that the Marquise cut originated in Paris in the 18th century. The story says the King Louis XV commisioned his jewellery makers to create a new and unique gemstone cut, and this is the beautiful style them came up with. The long shape of this cut makes the most of the carat of the gemstone, as often a lighter gemstone can be made to be fairly large in appearance. The flattering shape of this cut makes it a stunning choice for engagement jewellery. The only downside of this gemstone cut is that the sharp points can make the stone vulnerable to damage. However, a good jewellery will ensure that the correct measures are taken to prevent this risk.
If the eye-catching shape of the Marquise cut would be the perfect addition to your collection, click here to browse them on our website.
What did you think of this guide on popular gemstone cuts explained? Which gemstone cut will you add to your collection next? Let us know in the comments!
