Diamond and Gemstone Cuts

Founded in 1900, a round cut diamond is the most popular and versatile shape of diamond. Due to its 58 facets and perfect symmetry this cut radiates the most light, known as brilliance, back; hence its name, ‘round brilliant cut diamond’. The shape is also perfect for other gemstones. It is a classic choice for centre stones (e.g. single stone engagement ring), side stones (e.g. trilogy engagement ring) and accent stones alike (e.g. diamond set wedding band).

Founded in 1960, an oval cut (also known as a modified round brilliant cut diamond) is a popular choice for diamonds and coloured gemstones alike. With 58 facets, oval diamonds have an excellent return of light/brilliance – more so than other fancy shapes. When compared to a round cut diamond, its elongated shape (less depth, more surface area) gives the impression of a higher carat weight: there is more ‘show’ at equivalent carat weights.

The octagon cut was initially created as a shape to cut the more fragile emerald gemstone but it is now used with diamonds alike; referred to as an emerald cut diamond in these instances. This cut has a large table facet to draw in the eye. It’s particularly adored for gazing into gems with vivid colours and/and diamonds with great clarity. In engagement rings, emerald cuts are particularly suited to solitaire and pavé settings, as well as being set into a trilogy.

The elegant and striking marquise cut is shaped somewhat like a sailing boat with its long, slim oval outline that narrows to points at both ends. Like an oval cut, its length and curved sides give the stone face a greater surface area creating the impression of a higher carat weight: there is more ‘show’ at equivalent carat weights. The marquise cut elongates fingers for a slender and exotic look.

Aligned to its name, a cushion cut diamond is square or rectangular shape with rounded edges like a cushion. Cushion cut diamonds have excellent dispersion (or ‘fire’ as it’s known) that gives those flashes of light for which diamonds are renowned. Cushion cuts are often held in a halo setting surrounded by smaller stones. Not only does the cushion shape appeal to being hugged by other stones, its greater depth smaller stone face means it may not appear as big as other shapes at equivalent weights (e.g. an oval or marquise cut).

With its unique and eye-catching teardrop shape, pear cut stones make unusual and impactful pieces of jewellery. Much like the oval and marquise cuts (this asymmetrical cut combines features from both), pear cuts maximise carat weight with more diamond on ‘show’ than in equivalently weighted round brilliant and cushion cut diamonds. They are versatile shape that can be used to create modern, classic and vintage looking jewellery alike.

Throughout history, the alluring sparkle of diamonds has been an irresistible temptation for people looking to buy jewellery. But with so many different options available, how do you know which diamond to buy?

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How a diamond is set into metal affects its overall look and feel, and different shaped stones often compliment different kinds of settings.