When it comes to diamonds, all stones are not the same. There are many different sizes, shapes, and designs that give diamonds their individual character. At Revolution Jewelry Works, our focus is on creating unique fine jewelry our customers will never see anywhere else, whether you choose diamonds alone or a combination of diamonds and other gemstones. Our experts work with you to create the design of your dreams. For creative jewelry with personality, Colorado Springs comes to Revolution Jewelry Works.
Diamond cutting has a long and interesting history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. As technology has advanced, new methods of diamond cutting emerge, and the process constantly evolves. The methods of diamond cutting can be divided into two basic categories: brilliant and step cut. A brilliant cut is a rough diamond that was cut and polished with primarily kite-shaped and triangular facets; delivering narrow flashed of light to the eye of the viewer. A step cut is a diamond that has a rectangular or square shapes facets which are arranged parallel to one another; displaying more broad flashed to the viewer. There are many different diamond cuts within these two basic categories, and today we will briefly list some of the best known, along with a brief description of each.
30 Common Diamond and Gemstone Cuts:
1. Princess Cut – The princess cut is a square-shaped diamond with a rounded top, and either 57 or 76 facets with an average ratio of 1.0 to 1.5, and a pyramid shape which reflects light brilliantly due to four beveled sides.
2. Pear Cut – Pear cut diamonds are a combination of round and marquise stones with a ratio of 1.50 to 1.70. The unique shape of a pear cut diamond creates a slenderizing effect and makes the wearer’s hand appear more elegant.
3. Heart Cut – The heart-shaped diamond has anywhere from 56 to 58 facets and a ratio between 0.90 and 1.10. Popular for those who prefer a romantic and elegant cut.
4. Round Brilliant Cut – Round cut diamonds have 58 facets divided between girdle (middle), crown (top), and pavilion (bottom), with a ratio that ranges between 1.00 and 1.02. Round cut has long been the most popular diamond shape.
5. Emerald Cut – These stones have a rectangular shape with a broad, flat plane, and truncated corners. This cut features 57 facets, 32 of which are on the pavilion, and 25 of which are found on the crown. The most popular ratio is 1.40.
6. Asscher Cut – There are two types: Standard Asscher cut and Royal Asscher cut. Standard diamonds have 50 to 58 facets, with Royal diamonds having up to 74; the ratio is between 1.00 and 1.05. The Royal Asscher cut is very rare.
7. Marquise Cut – This cut is elongated with pointed ends and a curved shape that resembles a small boat or football, which can elongate the finger and make the stone appear larger than other diamonds of the same carat weight. Of its 58 facets, 33 are found on the crown and 25 are on the pavilion. Sometimes called a Navette cut, after a Navy ship, due to its resemblance to a boat.
8. Oval Cut – This cut features a rounded shape with an average of 58 facets. The ratio of oval cut diamonds varies from 1.33 and 1.66. This cut also elongates the wearer’s finger and makes the stone appear larger than others of similar carat weight.
9. Radiant Cut – This cut has about 70 facets and can be rectangular or squared. Rectangular cuts have ratios between 1.05 and 1.50; squared stones ratios are between 1.00 and 1.05.
10. Cushion Cut – This cut also has a square or rectangular shape, but corners are rounded. This cut has 58 facets with square shapes ratios of 1.00-1.05 and 1.10 or more for rectangular shapes.
11. Trilliant Cut – These flat-sided triangular stones are commonly used as accent stones, and can have between 31 and 50 facets, with the average number being 44. The ratio is 1.00.
12. Trillion Cut – A curvy variation of a trilliant cut, number of facets depends on whether it is used as a solitaire stone itself or as a complementary stone for a larger solitaire center stone. A typical ratio is 1.00.
13. Triangle Cut – This cut features straight sides, corners that can be either rounded or pointed, 31 to 50 facets, and a 1.00 ratio. This step cut is not often used with a diamond center stone, but usually featured in gemstone jewelry.
14. Rose Cut – Considered one of the original core diamond cuts, rose cut diamonds are notable for a flat back, domed top, and simplistic faceting. These stones are covered in triangular facets that mimic the inner spiral of a rose. They can either be pear-shaped, round, triangular, or oval.
15. Table Cut – One of the earliest diamond shapes, it was developed from the point cut by truncating the uppermost point of the octagon, leaving a flat table at the top of the stone.
16. Old Single Cut – This is a variation of the early Table Cuts created by grinding off the four corners of a square table cut and replacing them with facets, creating a stone with 9 facets on its crown and 9 on its pavilion.
17. Briolette Cut – This is a diamond cut that results in a teardrop shaped stone with no girdle. Most briolette diamonds have elongated triangular and hexagonal facets. This shape is more conducive to earrings or pendants rather than rings, as the facets go all the way around the stone.
18. Lozenge Cut –The Lozenge Cut is a diamond cut in the shape of a playing card diamond. This is not a commonly seen cut. All four sides are cut in trapezoidal facets that stem down the side.
19. Baguette Cut – This cut results in a stone which is long and slender and could be considered a form of an elongated Emerald Cut. These diamonds are “step cut” and often used to accent a larger central stone.
20. Drop Cut – Similar to the Briolette Cut, Drop Cut diamonds are designed for use in pendants and earrings. This cut was developed to create a totally faceted pear shape – although it typically has a longer pavilion than found in a traditional pear shape – that would be suitable for teardrop earrings and necklaces.
21. Trapezoid Cut – This cut is a side stone usually used in pairs on either side of a larger center stone. It is a four-sided shape with parallel top and bottom sides and the other sides slanting inward. It is also known as a Trapeze Cut. Although the step cut is used most often, Trapezoids can be cut into either brilliant or step cuts.
22. Fan Cut – As the name implies, this diamond cut is made in the shape of an open, handheld woman’s fan, coming to a point at the bottom. It is usually placed as a side stone due to its shape. Facets are limited.
23. Half Moon Cut – Also referred to as a Crescent Cut, these stones are half-round and half-oval shaped diamond with a straight edge. Often sold in pairs and used as complementary side stones to accentuate a larger center stone, this shape is a simple semi-circle. This cut is often used in chandelier earrings, and sometimes seen in bracelets.
24. Peruzzi Cut – Considered to be the ancestor of the modern brilliant cut diamond, this cut features 33 facets. A Peruzzi Cut diamond is a relatively rare find in the modern day market.
25. Mazarin Cut – This modified square diamond cut has 17 crown facets and 17 pavilion facets Often considered to be the first true brilliant cut; it is also known as the “double cut brilliant”.
26. Carre Cut – This vintage diamond cut is a square-shape with 90-degree corners and a large upper facet, designed to preserve as much of the stone as possible, using between 61-65% of the rough stone. Only high-quality gems are suitable for this style, which was largely replaced with the coming of the modern Princess Cut.
27. Old Mine Cut – Named for the old diamond mines of India, this diamond cut features 58 facets, a high crown and small, squarish table with rounded corners.
28. Old European Cut – This cut features a rounded table and larger, triangular facets, similar to those of the modern brilliant cut. Forerunner of the round brilliant cut.
29. Whistle Cut – This is a step cut in the shape of half a pentagon. Due to its pointy top, it must be channel set as a side stone.
30. Shield Cut – This modified trapezoid cut resembles a Roman shield head, thus the name. A relatively rare diamond cut, ratio and number of facets vary. Often used for complementary stones that highlight some other center diamond shape.
For something truly unique and special, come to Revolution Jewelry Works and get the non-traditional piece of jewelry you really want. If you can dream it, we can create it!
