Gemstone Shapes & Facets
Whether it’s the classic round brilliant cut or the sophisticated emerald cut, each shape brings out different aspects of a gemstone’s charm, making faceting an essential part of the gem’s journey from rough stone to dazzling jewel.
Faceting gemstones is the process of cutting and polishing the surface of a gem to create flat surfaces, or “facets,” that enhance its brilliance, sparkle, and overall appearance. This intricate art involves precise angles and proportions to maximize the gem’s light performance. The primary goal of faceting is to bring out the inherent beauty of the stone by optimizing its optical properties.
Popular Gemstone Cuts: Different cuts or shapes of gemstones are designed to enhance specific characteristics, such as brilliance, color, or clarity. Below are some of the most popular gemstone cuts:
Round Brilliant Cut Known for its exceptional brilliance due to the ideal proportions and numerous facets.
Emerald Cut: A rectangular or square shape with step-cut facets, emphasizing clarity and color over brilliance, offering a sophisticated look.
Cushion Cut: A square or rectangular cut with rounded corners and larger facets. Combines brilliance with a soft, pillow like, vintage feel.
Oval Cut: An elongated round cut that combines the brilliance of a round cut with a unique shape. High brilliance with an elongated shape that enhances the stone’s size.
Pear Cut: A teardrop shape that combines the round and marquise cuts. Offers brilliance with a distinctive, elegant shape.
Marquise Cut: An elongated oval with pointed ends, often used to maximize carat weight. High brilliance with an elongated appearance, making the gem look larger.
Heart Cut: A romantic shape with a distinctive cleft at the top, resembling a heart. Combines high brilliance with a romantic, symbolic shape.