Gemstone Glossary

Antique Cushion The Antique Cushion cut is also known as “The Old Miner” or “Old European” cut, because it looks like a cross between a deep cut with large facets that was common in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries and a modern Oval cut	Heart Cut The Heart Shape is a pear-shaped gemstone or Diamond with a cleft at the top. Hearts must be extremely well cut which makes them more expensive because excellent proportions result from a greater expenditure of rough.	Round Brilliant Cut The Round Brilliant cut is also known as the Round cut, American Ideal cut or American Standard cut. This cut is optically the most efficient. The Round Brilliant cut is designed to provide maximum optics for brilliance and scintillation, making the gem sparkle and dance in the light. This cut was specially developed for Diamonds but is common for all gem types.	Oval Cut The Oval cut has an elliptical shape when viewed from the top. A well cut Oval gemstone can be nearly as bright as a Round Brilliant cut. The Oval cut is a particularly beautiful shape and if well proportioned gives great scintillation and fire.
Baguette The Baguette shaped gemstone is really only a special oblong shape. Most oblong cuts are “step” cut, which means that the facets on the pavilion have been cut in steps, parallel to the edges, in the manner of a pyramid with its top chopped off. The base and table are square with triangular facets.	Octagon Cut This is another “step” cut but with the four corners metered. The facets run in steps parallel to the gemstone circumference. This cut is differentiated from the Emerald cut by steps on the pavilion that are not equidistant. With this cut, color plays a very important role in the beauty of the gemstone. Color tends to show very dramatically in Octagon cut gemstones.	Square Cut The Square shaped gemstone is really only a special oblong shape where the sides are the same length. Most oblong cuts are “step” cut, which means that the facets on the pavilion have been cut in steps, parallel to the edges, in the manner of a pyramid with its top chopped off.	Princess Cut The Princess cut, technically known as “Square Modified Brilliant” cut, is a square version of the Round Brilliant cut with numerous sparkling facets. It is a relatively new cut and often finds its way into solitaire engagement rings. Flattering to a hand with long fingers, it is often embellished with triangular stones at its sides. Because of its design, this cut requires more weight to be directed toward the gem's depth in order to maximize brilliance. Because of the extra faceting, and the effects this produces, Princess cuts are naturally more brilliant and sparkly. The Princess cut generally works best with lighter colored transparent gemstones. Along with the Antique Cushion cut, the Princess cut maximizes a gem’s luster.
Emerald Cut The Emerald cut looks like a rectangle from the top, with truncated corners. These can be beautiful gemstones with stepped facets; the sheen tends to display large flashes of these stepped angles on the pavilion of the gem. With this cut, color plays a very important role in the beauty of the gemstone. Color tends to show very dramatically in Emerald cut gemstones.	Pear Cut A hybrid cut, combining the best of the Oval and the Marquise, it is shaped like a sparkling teardrop. A nice Pear cut is generally one that is well cut with a polished girdle.	Trilliant Cut Trilliant cut gemstones are based on a triangular shape. Usually with truncated corners and displaying a variety of facet designs, this cut creates a spectacular wedge of brilliant fire. The tips and culets of Trilliants are pointed and thin. Some jewelers only bezel-set Trilliants, though prongs that protect the tips work well and show more of the gem. There should be as few polishing marks as possible and the surface should appear glossy and reflective. Good polishing helps maximize brilliance and scintillation in Trilliants. Trilliants work well with light-colored gems – such as Diamonds, Aquamarines, Beryl’s and White Sapphires.	Round Cabochon A Cabochon is a polished gemstone with a flat-bottom (or slightly rounded bottom) and a convex or rounded domed top. The traditional Cabochon is an Oval but Cabochons can also be fashioned into other shape including Triangles and Rectangles. Cabochons, commonly known as Cabs, are the oldest and most common form of gem cutting. In antiquity, this was generally the only cutting option available other than using the gem with the natural facets of their crystal structure. Some of the most beautiful ancient jewelry was made with Cabochons.
Briolette A Briolette is a pear shaped gemstone covered with facets that comes to a pointed end. The Briolette cut is a drop-shaped gemstone with triangular or diamond shaped facets all the way around. Considering the shape of the Briolette, it is the most difficult to cut. Because of the specific number of cuts to show the facets, the Briolette cut requires perfection from top to bottom. Briolette gems are found in antique and estate jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Briolette gems are increasing popular in fashion jewelry. Briolette cuts are set in earrings, necklaces and pendants. They are also included in tiaras in antique or estate jewelry. Every Briolette is unique, so look for beauty.			Marquise Cut The Marquise cut looks like a long oval that has been stretched out to a point at each end like a rugby ball viewed straight down from the top. Marquise cut provides good brilliance and color. It is gorgeous when used as a solitaire or when enhanced by smaller gems.