Ten Common Diamond Cut Shapes
Round Cut
Shape: Round
Cut: Brilliant
Origin: 1919
The round cut is the most popular diamond cut, renowned for its perfect symmetry and ultimate light reflection. This cut was first calculated theoretically in 1919 by Polish mathematician Marcel, who derived the formula for a diamond cut to reflect the maximum amount of light. The round brilliant cut, also known as the "ideal cut," features 57 or 58 facets arranged in a specific pattern. This cut comprises 58 facets in total: the table, upper girdle, lower girdle, star facets, and culet. For diamonds under 25 points, the culet is omitted, resulting in 57 facets.
Cushion Cut
Shape: Rectangular with rounded corners
Cut: Brilliant
Origin: 1977
The cushion cut derives its name from its resemblance to a pillow or cushion. This cut combines elements of both round and square shapes, featuring rounded edges that create a soft and elegant appearance. With 58 facets, it served as the precursor to today's brilliant cut. In comparison: it features a smaller table, larger other facets, a thinner girdle, a flatter overall profile, and a culet cut into a small facet. When viewed from the table, a "hollow" is visible inside the diamond.
Radiant Cut
Shape: Rectangular
Cut: Mixed
Origin: 1977
Radiant cut diamonds resemble beautiful ice crystals, reflecting light and sparkling with brilliance nearly matching that of round gemstones. Featuring a rectangular shape with four cut corners, the Radiant cut combines the high rough retention rate of an emerald cut with a versatile shape, while also delivering the exceptional sparkle characteristic of a round brilliant cut. The Radiant cut is ideal for slightly elongated rough diamonds with chipped corners or imperfections, offering high stone retention. When setting, a minimum four-prong setting is required to secure the four cut corners, ensuring a secure and stable mount.
Princess Square Cut
Shape: Square
Cut: Brilliant/Mixed
Origin: Mid-20th Century
The princess cut was invented by Belgian craftsmen. Due to its modified form incorporating characteristics of the step cut, it can also be classified as a hybrid cut. The square cut features a square or rectangular outline, typically possessing 76 facets. Variations exist with 61, 101, or 144 facets. The 101-facet square brilliant cut is a registered patent cut by E.F.D. Diamond Company, known as the Princess cut. The square cut offers versatility and is prized for its sharp angles and distinctive square appearance.
Oval Cut
Shape: Oval
Cut: Brilliant/Radiant
Origin: 19th Century
The oval cut is a variation of the round cut, with a rough retention rate of 50% to 60%, suitable for elongated octahedral diamond rough. For the same carat weight as other gem cuts, the oval cut features a slender profile with greater perceived size and appearance. It complements women with slender hands or shorter fingers, as the diamond's elongated, balanced shape visually elongates the hand.
Pear Cut
Shape: Pear
Cut: Brilliant/Radiant
Origin: 17th Century
The pear cut was highly popular during the reign of Louis XIV in France. Historically, nearly 20% of renowned diamonds have featured this cut, including the world's largest diamond: the Cullinan 1. This cut is ideal for rough diamonds with damaged or flawed corners at one end. Combining elements of round and marquise cuts, the pear shape features a rounded top and a pointed bottom, resembling a teardrop. Its multi-faceted design allows pear-cut gems to display brilliant fire and sparkle when exposed to light.
Heart Cut
Shape: Heart-shaped
Cut: Brilliant cut
Origin: Modern
Heart-shaped cut diamonds feature a shallow overall depth, making them ideal for irregularly shaped, flatter rough stones. The heart cut symbolizes romance and is cherished for its distinctive heart-shaped outline and intricate cutting techniques. Symmetry is paramount for heart-shaped gemstones. A perfect heart-shaped stone should exhibit complete symmetry on both sides to ensure its aesthetic appeal and balanced appearance.
Marquise Brilliant Cut
Shape: Marquise
Cut: Brilliant/Radiant
Origin: 17th Century
The marquise cut, also known as the pear-shaped cut, is a gemstone cutting style with a long history. Diamonds featuring this cut have pointed ends resembling a fruit pit. Marquise-cut gems not only possess an elegant appearance but also significantly enhance the perceived size of the stone, making it appear larger than its actual carat weight.
Asscher Cut
Shape: Rectangular
Cut: Step cut
Origin: 1902
The Asscher cut is a near-square emerald cut typically applied to diamonds. Named after cutter Joseph Asscher, Asscher-cut diamonds feature a distinctive step-cut design and octagonal outline, allowing light to flow along the steps and create a captivating sparkle. It gained popularity during the Art Deco period of the 1920s.
Emerald Cut
Shape: Rectangular
Cut: Step cut
Origin: Ancient
The emerald cut features a rectangular shape with faceted edges and corners that taper progressively. Light travels through the diamond's interior, creating a distinctive mirror-like effect. Its facets differ from round diamonds in angle arrangement, shape, and size. This cut emphasizes the diamond's depth and transparency; the flat facets not only showcase its brilliance but also embody an elegant blend of nobility and understated grace.
