Diamond Cuts

Rayah Levy, FCD Invest President
12 minutes ago
2 min read

Diamonds are crafted in a wide variety of cuts and shapes, each influencing brilliance, fire, and style. All diamond cuts fall into three main categories: brilliant cuts, step cuts, and mixed cuts.

Round Brilliant Cut

The most popular cut with 57–58 facets, known for unmatched brilliance and fire.

Fancy Shapes (Modified Brilliants)

These are derived from the round cut to create distinct silhouettes:

Princess Cut – Square or rectangular with pointed corners; sharp sparkle.
Oval Cut – Elongated round cut that enhances perceived size.
Marquise Cut – Boat-shaped with pointed ends; maximizes carat appearance.
Pear Cut (Teardrop) – Combination of round and marquise; delicate and feminine.
Heart Cut – A romantic shape requiring perfect symmetry.
Cushion Cut – Rounded square or rectangle resembling a pillow, often vintage in character.

Step Cuts

Known for elegance and clarity emphasis, with rectangular facets for a "hall of mirrors" effect :

Emerald Cut – Rectangular with long, stepped facets and beveled corners.
Asscher Cut – Square variant of emerald with step faceting and cropped edges.
Baguette Cut – Narrow, rectangular step cut often used as accent stones.

Mixed Cuts

Combine features of both brilliant and step cuts for blended visual appeal:

Radiant Cut – Square or rectangular with brilliant-style faceting and trimmed corners.
Trillion Cut – Triangular, with either brilliant or step facets.
Kite, Shield, Hexagon, and Octavia Cuts – Modern geometric variations often seen in contemporary jewelry.

Antique and Specialty Cuts

Older and artistic styles that predate modern laser precision:

Rose Cut – Flat bottom and domed top with triangular facets, producing soft luster.
Old Mine Cut – Predecessor to modern cushion, with larger facets and a small table.
Old European Cut – Early round brilliant style used in late 19th to early 20th century jewelry.

In total, jewelers recognize over 20 distinct diamond cuts and shapes, from the timeless Round Brilliant to avant-garde cuts like Hexagon or Shield. Each cut affects not only light performance but the overall personality and era reflected in the stone’s design.

Note:

Diamond shape refers to the outer geometric outline or silhouette of the stone when viewed from above.

Diamond cut refers to the proportions, symmetry, and quality of the faceting — in other words, how well the diamond has been shaped from the rough crystal to maximize light reflection and brilliance.