From emerald cut diamond rings. When grading and appraising Gems, cut may not be as influential as the other C’s like color, clarity, and carat weight, but it is definitely an influencing factor when it comes to the Gemstones overall beauty. To properly evaluate the cut of a given Diamond, you must not only study its face-up view or the surface or top view but study it from all other angles as well. An excellent cut can reduce loss on carat weight but enhance its looks to breathtaking proportions at the same time.

Common Cuts Used on Gems

Brilliant Cuts   A brilliant-cut Gemstone usually has three flat polished surfaces per facet. They are positioned in such a way to radiate the best light from the Diamond. Gemstone cutters also make sure that the angles will enhance the brilliance of the Gemstone. Brilliant cuts are mostly used for Gemstones and transparent Gemstones.

Some facets will have one or more shapes like stars, hearts, kites, and lozenges. Variations of the brilliant cut include the naivet or boat-shaped marquise, per-shaped pendeloque, and oval shape. Oval shapes are suitable for Gems with lower carat weight because they can make them appear bigger. 

The most popular variation of all is the full-cut round brilliant. It has fifty-eight facets, presently the greatest count for brilliant cut Diamonds. The single brilliant cut, on the other hand, has seventeen to eighteen facets. For Diamonds used in earrings and pendants, the briolette variation is mostly used to provide it with circular cross-section teardrop shapes. Brilliant cuts with triangular dimensions are called trilliants while square brilliant cuts are also known as princess cuts.

Step Cuts   Another popular cut for a Diamond is the step or trap cut. Step cuts are best used for colored Gemstones because they possess four-sided table facets and girdles as well as parallel quadrilateral facets. The term step cut was used because this Gem cut bears similarities with a staircase. Step cuts have fewer facets than brilliant cuts. 

One well-known variation of a step cut is the baguette. It is rectangular in shape but with square corners. Emerald cuts are also quite popular. Its name was derived from its consistent use with emeralds. Emerald cuts remove the corners and form an octagonal shape. Clipping off the corners protect delicate Gemstones like emeralds and facilitate setting of Gemstones at the same time. Other popular variations for step cuts are window, table, radiant, and oval.

The best advantage of step cuts is its ability to enhance a Gemstones color, making the color richer and appearing to have originated straight form the belly of the Diamond.

Mixed Cuts   Mixed cuts for Gems are mostly combinations of brilliant and step cuts. The crown or top portion of a Gemstone will resemble a brilliant cut while the pavilion or bottom portion of a Gemstone will receive a step cut. At times, the two cuts will appear side by side. Mixed cuts are also characterized by their rounded outlines. Many transparent Gemstones like rubies and sapphires are often cut this way. Gems with mixed cuts are also commonly set in prongs. 

Variations for mixed cuts include but are not limited to cushion, zircut, pear or teardrop, and oval.

Cabochon Cuts   A Diamond with a cabochon cut will appear rounded on top and flat on the bottom. At times, Gemstones will only appear in this cut. Height of a Gemstones dome with a cabochon cut varies. The name is derived from the French term used for bald heads. Cabochon cuts are simplest to make, and that’s why you’ll often see them used on affordable Diamonds and those that will not benefit from faceting.

Fancy Cuts   Any other cut besides those mentioned above is usually referred to as fancy. A checkerboard cut, for instance, will have a combination of a large table facet on top and a mixed cut. A rose cut will have a round girdle outline, flat base, dome-shaped crown, and facets of a brilliant cut.

When judging the cut of a Gem, start by evaluating it face up. See if the Gemstone shows uniform color distribution and radiates light in the best possible way. Gemstones cut with large windows are unappealing. Lastly, recheck all other angles and determine if the cut took both carat weight and looks into consideration.

For more see asscher cut solitaire engagement rings and unique princess cut rings.

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