Gemstone Shape Guide
The shape of a gemstone defines its overall form and appearance. Different shapes can enhance a gem's color, brilliance, and character.
Common Gemstone Shapes
Gemstone Shapes
The cut of a gemstone refers to its shape and facet arrangement. This determines how light interacts with the gem, affecting its brilliance and appearance.
Common Gemstone Cuts
- Round Brilliant: Maximizes brilliance, most popular cut
- Oval: Versatile shape, frequently used in rings
- Pear (Teardrop): Classic shape for pendants and earrings
- Emerald Cut: Rectangular with stepped facets, emphasizes clarity
- Asscher Cut: Square step cut with clipped corners, art deco style
- Cushion Cut: Rounded corners, soft appearance
- Princess Cut: Square shape with high brilliance
- Marquise: Elongated boat-shaped cut
- Heart Cut: Romantic symbolic shape
- Trillion Cut: Triangular, often used as accent stones
- Cabochon: Polished without facets, for opaque gems
- Star Cabochon: Displays a star-shaped pattern (asterism) when cut en cabochon
- Cat's Eye Cabochon: Exhibits a narrow band of light (chatoyancy) across the surface
- Fancy Cuts: Various unique and creative shapes
While cut affects appearance, it generally has less impact on value than color, clarity, or carat weight. Cut quality (proportions, polish, symmetry) can influence value within each shape category.