What Types of Gemstone Cuts Look Best?

Colored gemstones like sapphires and rubies have natural beauty – but jewelers know that it takes a great cut to bring their true luster to life.

When expressing your personal style (and getting the right vibe), gemstone shape is just as important as the stone itself. But, the types of gemstone cuts aren’t talked about much, especially outside of the lapidary (meaning gem cutter) community!

We’re here to change that. Here’s the rundown on the most popular cuts in recent years — and why people love these different gem cuts – so that you can stay on-trend.

Round Brilliant Cut

Round brilliant cut is common for cut diamonds. The cutting process is designed to take rough stones and maximize their brilliance through multiple facets.

It has a lovely round shape, the crown of which has 33 to 58 facets. At the center, brilliant diamonds feature a large table facet surrounded by smaller triangular facets or kite-shaped facets.

Round brilliant cuts are a popular choice for engagement rings because they bring the inner shine of the gemstone to the surface, creating a dazzling light play that draws in the eye.

Radiant Cut

Radiant cut stones have a rectangular shape resembling an emerald cut with trimmed corners.

They feature a unique pattern, combining both step-cut and brilliant-cut facets to create a mesmerizing look. In colored gemstones, such as amethyst and tourmaline, the many facets create a dazzling color display. While it’s popular in necklaces and rings, radiant cuts elevate any piece of jewelry to the next level.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher cut is another popular choice for engagement rings. This elegant, vintage, and unique shape has grown in popularity in recent years, and these faceted gemstones give off a hall-of-mirrors feeling. The bottom of the finished gem has a small table facet, while concentric rows of step-cut facets lead to a larger table facet at the top, creating a spiraling, mesmerizing light play.

Briolette

A briolette faceted gem has an elegant tear-drop shape – a different cut that is covered from top to bottom in triangular facets, giving it a brilliant shine from any angle. It’s a popular option for pendants.

Garnets, aquamarine, and topaz are especially attractive in this cut.

Baguette Cut

A baguette cut gemstone has a long rectangular shape similar to an emerald cut but without the tapered corners. Instead, it features sharp lines and edges.

The rectangular facets create a series of broad, flat planes within the gem that give a sense of depth, shadow and an elegant appearance. The baguette cut’s geometric shapes also make it popular for use in contemporary jewelry design.

This is a great option for a stand-alone piece to complement a large center stone in elaborate necklace designs.

Cushion Cut

Cushion cuts have a square shape with rounded corners, making them look like a pillow. The gentle rounding of their corners gives them a soft and romantic appearance that makes cushion cuts ideal for gifting to that special someone. Or, of course, for use in an engagement ring.

The crown features a large table facet encircled by smaller step-cut facets, leading down to either a triangular or kite-shaped facet on the bottom of the finished gem. The facets create a sophisticated play of light and color that suits not only diamonds but also pink tourmalines and blue sapphires.

Princess Cut

The princess cut is an exceptionally sleek style. It features a square shape with sharp corners for an exquisite and dramatic look (befitting of a princess). The facets are formed by a mix of step cuts and brilliant cuts.

The bottom of the gem features four main facets arranged in a triangle shape. This design creates an intricate, distinct cross-pattern that lights up the center of the gem with intense flashes and shadows.

Emerald Cut

This is a timeless staple when it comes to fine jewelry design. Emerald cuts have a rectangular shape with cropped corners. They’re sleek, sharp, and sophisticated, evoking a sense of vintage glamor.

The long linear facets are a great way to showcase the depth of the gem with minimal inclusions. Its step-cut faceting creates a staircase effect that delivers an impressive presence, making an emerald cut ideal for gems with a high-carat weight.

Marquise Cut

This is an oval cut with distinct, pointed ends that give it a dramatic, eye-catching appearance. Its unique shape makes the finished gemstone appear larger than it is. When used in rings, a marquis cut can make the finger look slimmer.

Step cut and brilliant cuts are featured throughout the marquise cut, and a series of parallel facets give it a captivating inner fire.

Rose Cut

This is the perfect cut for opaque-colored gemstones. It creates a diffused sparkle that naturally enhances their beauty. Rose cuts are a vintage style with a round, cabochon-like appearance. The base is flat, but the crown is domed with triangular facets arranged around the center of the gem in a flower-like pattern.

Find Cutting Edge Cutting Styles

Ready to shop all the different types of gemstone cuts? Let us help you out. Our gem cuts are done by master lapidaries – so you can be sure there are no flaws or inclusions in our beautiful pieces.

Shop our online store to pick out something nice for yourself — and get something nice for someone else, too! Each order from Giving Gems comes with a free gift that you can give to a friend, family member, or anyone who needs a pick-me-up! Want even more good news? Shipping is free, no matter where you are in the U.S. See the difference for yourself!