Introduction to the Cuts and Shapes of Gemstone
Gems are intriguing people for centuries not only because of their scarcity and beauty but also because of the cuts and various forms that will increase its visual aspect. The cutting and shaping of a gemstone make a great deal in the sparkle, brilliance, and aspect of the gemstone as a whole. It is imperative for jewelry lovers and buyers alike to be aware of the various kinds of gemstone cuts and forms.
We will be discussing different types of cuts and shapes in the precious gemstones that would change the way it looks, value, and its desirability level.
Table of Content:
1. Why Cut Gemstones?
2. Difference Between Gemstone Shapes and Cuts
3. Popular Gemstone Cuts
4. Gemstone Shapes
5 Things to Look Out for When Selecting Gemstone Cut and Shape
6. Conclusion
Why Cut Gemstones?
This process is referred to as lapidary work, which forms a portion of the art and science of cutting a rough gemstone into an assortment of polished and symmetrical forms. The cut of the gemstone, which affects its brilliance and fire, therefore becomes crucial for observing its quality.
A well-cut gemstone can reflect and refract light to give a dazzling sparkle while a poorly cut gemstone may be dull and lifeless. In this case, the skill of the gem cutter has a lot to do with maximizing the natural beauty of the gemstone.
Difference Between Gemstone Shapes and Cuts
Before going into specific types of gemstone cuts and shapes, let’s first understand the distinction between the two
- Shape of Gemstone: This refers to the general outline or form of the stone. Common forms include round, oval, and square.
- Gemstone Cut: How a gemstone’s facets are set. That determines how light travels through it, thus giving it brightness and fire.
Whereas the shape may go some way to deciding on the general appearance of the gemstone, the cut is what determines how much sparkle and shine the stone will have.
Popular Gemstone Cuts
The cuts are the most important factors for enhancing the brilliance and color of the stone. Below, we discuss some of the most common and the most valuable cuts used in the gemstones.
1. Brilliant Cut
The brilliant cut is one of the most popular gemstone cuts, especially for diamonds but also for sapphires and rubies, and emeralds. This cut is described as having numerous facets arranged to maximize the brilliance and sparkle of the gemstone by optimizing light reflection.
- Suitable for: Diamonds, sapphires, rubies.
- Appearance: Round, sparkling gem with high brilliance.
- Advantages: Maximizes the stone’s fire and brilliance.
- Step Cut
The step cut involves rectangular facets arranged in parallel layers that take the appearance of steps. In many cases, the most popular type of step cut is the emerald. This cut favors clarity over brilliance. Step cuts are ideal for gemstones that possess excellent clarity because they make the internal shine of the stone emerge instead of making it sparkle at the edges.
- Best For: Emeralds, aquamarines, and diamonds.
- Appearance: Clear, slick, and suave.
- Advantages: The feature brings out the clarity and color of the gemstone that makes it appear larger.
- Mixed Cut
The mixed cut consists of parts of the brilliant and step cuts. Sometimes it comprises a brilliant-cut crown (top) and a step-cut pavilion (bottom). Such a cut will make the maximum brilliance shine out from the stone, while its structure will remain unique and elegant.
- Suitable For: Sapphires, rubies, and other colored gemstones.
- Look: A combination of sparkle and depth.
- Advantages: Brilliant and has structural elegance.
- Cushion Cut
The cushion cut is also known as the “pillow cut.” It is the square or rectangular shape with rounded corners. This stone is vintage and was used during the 19th century. Its facets are relatively larger and therefore disperse more light, imparting a soft, rosy glow to the stone.
- Best For: Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.
- Appearance: A softer, rounded square or rectangle.
- Pros: Boasts brilliance with a traditional look.
- Princess Cut
The princess cut is one of the best square-shaped cuts for gemstones, particularly diamonds. This cut presents sharp corners and multiple facets that make the stone sparkle as much as it is possible. It also has a modern look with clean lines.
- Best For: Diamonds
- Appearance: Square shape with lots of brilliance.
- Pros: Maxims sparkle while giving a contemporary look.
- Radiant Cut
This cut is a combination of emerald cut and brilliant cut. This shape is rectangular or square with rough-cut corners and multiple facets that add brilliance and fire.
- Best for: Diamonds and colored gemstones
- Ideal shape: Square or rectangle with cropped corners and high sparkle.
- Benefits: Combines brilliance with the clean lines of a step cut.
- Asscher Cut
The Asscher cut is basically the same as the emerald cut with a square shape and defined, step-like facets. This cut often has association with vintage jewelry that was popular during the Art Deco period.
- Best for: Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds
- Appearance: Square shaped with step-cut facets
- Advantages: The clarity of the gemstone and color pop out brilliantly
Gemstone Shapes
Gemstone shapes are purely a matter of personal preference and can decide the kind of jewelry. Though the brilliance of the gem depends on the cut, it is the shape that mainly attracts the attention of most people. Below are some of the most sought after gemstone shapes .
1. Round Shape
The round cut is also the favorite for both diamond and colored gemstones. This cut goes by the name brilliant cut and really boasts an excellence of sparkle and fire.
- Excellent For: Diamonds, sapphires, rubies.
- Pros: Maximizes brilliance and fire.
- Oval Shape
Oval cut gemstones are a wonderful substitute for round cut stones, offering a unique, elongated appearance while still holding much of the brilliance of a round cut. This shape also maximizes the size of the stone.
- Best For: Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds.
- Pros: The shape elongates the stone, giving it an illusion of size.
- Pear Shape
Pear shape, also known as teardrop, is a combination of round and marquise. These shapes are highly adopted in pendants and earring as it has a classic, distinctive look.
- Best For: Diamonds, sapphires and rubies
- Benefits: Unique and elegant; elongates the appearance of the stone.
- Marquise Shape
Marquise: It is a long and narrow oval with pointed ends, which maximizes the surface area of the gemstone. This shape provides an illusion of a more sizeable stone. It is one of the most traditional engagement ring settings.
- Best suited for: Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
- Pros: Maximizes the size and length of the gemstone
5.Heart shape:
This shape is a more romantic and emotional choice, probably to be kept for special occasions or memorable affairs. The cutting for this shape must be very precise to achieve both symmetry and brilliance.
- Best For: Diamonds, sapphires.
- Advantages: Symbolic and romantic.
- Trillion Shape
The trillion cut has three facets with equal length sides. It can be predominantly used as side stones of any ring or even as a focus on pendants.
- Best For: Diamonds, sapphires, and other colored gemstones.
- Pros: Extremely modern and dramatic with much sparkle.
- Emerald Shape
The emerald shape is rectangular with step-cut facets; it is used often with emeralds but also with diamonds as well as other colored gemstones. The emerald shape emphasizes clarity and color over brilliance.
- Best For: Emeralds, diamonds, aquamarines.
- Pros: Highlights clarity and color; it presents a very sleek appearance.
Things to Look Out for When Selecting Gemstone Cut and Shape
1. Kind of Gemstone
Each type of gemstone will have unique properties including hardness, cleavage, and refractive index. These will determine how possible it is to cut and shape them. For example, being that diamonds are very hard, their cuts can be fine-tuned to almost any desired shape, whereas stones such as opals that are softer can just be trimmed to minimal cuts because of limitations.
2. Personal Taste
Select your cut and shape considering your personal style and the usage of the gem. For example, if you love vintage looks, then cushion or Asscher cut can be perfect for you. However, if you fancy modern looks aesthetically, then princess or radiant cut could prove to be a better choice for you.
3. Light Performance
Light performance, or how a gemstone interacts with light depends on the cut. There are certain cuts that increase the reflection of light. The light could reflect more off of the stone if the brilliant cut is used. Step cuts, on the other hand, give an importance to clarity and color instead of brilliance .
4. Jewelry Setting
The gemstone should be shaped correspondingly to complement the jewelry setting. The round stones are versatile and fit well with most settings, the pear or marquise shapes are seen in more unique and custom designs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cut and shape of your gemstone will prove to be an important decision that will determine not only the appearance of the stone but also its price and desirability for which it sells. Be it an engagement ring, making a pendant, or earrings, understanding the types of cuts and shapes will be helpful in giving you a decision suitable for your style.
