Most Popular Gemstone Shape and Cuts

How would you feel if you spent a lot of money on an exquisite gemstone that looks like a flea market purchase to other people? 

It will wreck you, right? 

A semi-precious stone with an excellent cutting can overpower a precious stone with a poor one. This underlines the importance of Gemstone Cuts that can ruin or illuminate your gemstone. The craftsmanship behind Gemstone Shapes and cuts is significant in deciding the crystal’s price. 

In this blog, we will share the best 5 Gem Cuts and Shapes that bring out the magic of precious crystals. 

List of Most Popular Gemstone Shape and Cuts:

1. Round Brilliant Gemstone Cut

A Round Brilliant cut is a timeless classic in gem cutting art. The cut originated in the 20th century and is characterized by the strategic placement of 58 facets that maximize the dispersion of light in the gemstone, making it sparkle the way it’s supposed to. 

This gemstone cut emerged as artisans’ need to enhance the shine of a Diamond. The effort led to a cut that allowed light to enter and bounce off with mesmerizing brilliance, reflecting the stone’s inherent beauty. 

The Round Brilliant Gemstone Cut ushered a transformation in the industry and became synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship. Initially exclusive to Diamonds, this cut is presently used for a range of precious stones like Sapphires and Rubies. 

2. Princess Gemstone Cut

The Princess Cut is the 2nd best gemstone cut after round brilliant and emerged in the 1960s. It is now a common sight for engagement rings. Princess Cut is a good pick if you crave a modern vibe with traditional brilliance.  

The cut has a square with pointed corners and looks like an inverted pyramid. The sharp corners ensure the reflection of brilliance and clarity of the crystal. Because the cut retains a significant part of the stone, its per-carat cost is less than the round-cut gemstones. Stones like Diamond, Amethyst, Citrine, Morganite, and Sapphire look exceptionally radiant in Princess Cut.  

3. Emerald Gemstone Cut

Emerald cut is different from the gemstone cuts you otherwise encounter. It has a rectangular shape with trimmed corners. The focus is on exhibiting the “Hall of Mirrors” effect that emphasises clarity of the gemstone instead of the sparkle. 

As noticed in the name, the cut was originally exclusive to Emeralds. Because of the fragile nature of the gemstone, lapidaries rounded the corners to avoid breakage. This cut is used for Diamonds, Rubies, Aquamarines, and Sapphires.  

This gemstone shape is perfect for people who appreciate stealthy luxury and prefer clean and regal gemstones over sparkling ones. 

Also Read: Different Shapes of Emerald 

4. Briolette Gemstone Cut

Used for earrings and necklaces, the Briolette Cut is a sight to behold. The brilliance of a stone that it brings forth has made it popular amongst the elite sections of society. The cut is best reserved for special occasions as it is comparatively more fragile than its counterparts. 

Due to its multiple facets and absence of a table, light illuminates the stone from every angle, bringing out the best sparkle among all the cuts. This makes Briolette Cut gemstones a royal favorite with exclusive access due to its high price. 

5. Marquise Gemstone Cut

Stepping into the limelight in the 18th century, the Marquise Cut takes its inspiration from the lips of the Marquise de Pompadour. Characterized by an elongated shape with pointed ends, this cut gives an illusion of greater carat weight. 

With a surge in popularity during the Victorian era, the Marquise Cut has maintained its appeal, particularly for those seeking a unique and eye-catching design. Ideal for diamonds, sapphires, and garnets, this cut continues to embody a sense of regal splendor and refined taste. 

Also Read: Top 5 Best Gemstones for Libra Rashi

Final Thoughts 

The exquisite craftsmanship to carve out a stone is what makes all the difference. There are plenty of gemstone cuts and shapes available in the market and as an informed consumer, you need to be aware of what works best for your purchase.  

Refer to the following table for a quick reference of the popular gemstone cuts- 

Gemstone Shapes/Cuts	Description	Suitable For	Image
Round Brilliant	Classic and versatile cut with maximum sparkle.	Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
Princess	Square or rectangular shape with pointed corners.	Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
Emerald	Rectangular shape with cut corners and step facets	Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite
Marquise	Long and narrow with pointed ends, resembling a boat	Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst
Briolette	Teardrop-shaped with facets covering the entire surface	Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Aquamarine
Oval	Elongated round shape, providing a flattering look.	Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Morganite
Cushion	Square or rectangular with rounded corners.	Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Morganite
Asscher	Square emerald cut with bigger step facets	Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald
Heart	Romantic heart-shaped cut with a pointed bottom	Diamond, Ruby, Pink Tourmaline
Radiant	Square or rectangular cut with trimmed corners.	Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Morganite, Topaz

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is the best gemstone cut for a Diamond? 

Round Brilliant Cut is the most popular gem cut for a Diamond. 

What gem cut is the most expensive?

Round Brilliant and Briolette Gemstone Cuts are the most expensive as they require extraordinary precision and craftsmanship.