Wireframe diagrams and plain English definitions of classic and modern gemstone cuts.
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.
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…
The Emerald cut looks like a rectangle from the top, with truncated corners…
The Oval cut has an elliptical shape when viewed from the top…
A hybrid cut, combining the best of the Oval and the Marquise…
The Marquise cut looks like a long oval that has been stretched out…
The Heart Shape is a pear-shaped gemstone or Diamond with a cleft at the top…
The Antique Cushion cut is also known as “The Old Miner” or “Old European” cut…
The Baguette shaped gemstone is really only a special oblong shape…
This is another “step” cut but with the four corners metered…
The Square shaped gemstone is really only a special oblong shape where the sides are the same length…
Trilliant cut gemstones are based on a triangular shape…
A Cabochon is a polished gemstone with a flat-bottom and a domed top…
A Briolette is a pear shaped gemstone covered with facets…
A square or rectangular brilliant with beveled corners…
A square step cut with clipped corners, tall crown, and a dramatic “hall-of-mirrors” look…
A step-cut accent with one end narrower than the other…
A rhomboid outline with one elongated point…
An accent stone with parallel sides and unequal bases…
A crescent-like accent…
A tapered, angular accent with a shield-like outline…
A diamond-shaped accent with equal sides and acute tips…
Find quick clarifications on gemstone cuts and terminology in our FAQ.
Source: GIA – Diamond shape guide • gia.edu
