Gemstone Cuts

Gemstone Cuts

Doug Mitchell

Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.

s an admitted, committed, colored-stone junkie, it’s no secret that gemstones of all shapes and sizes truly amaze me. Aside from the colors and origins of gems, what truly takes them to the next level is their cut; and my oh my there are a LOT! While some cut-names describe the cut of the gem face-up, other names refer to the bottom of the gem known as the faceting style.

This month, let’s dive into different cut styles & faceting styles that make the gems we adore so incredible! We truly could write a book on all the different cuts and styles, but here are some of our favorites.

Examples shown are Diamond Doug originals from current inventory & portfolio.

Round & Oval Cut

Round-cut stones are the most used cut as they are a staple in the industry and always a flattering cut no matter the type of gemstone. The most popular faceting used in round-cut and oval-cut stones is Brilliant faceting. This style was introduced by Venetian gem-cutter Vicenti Peruzzi at the end of the 17th century. Prior to this, gemstones were cut very deep and didn’t allow much light to pass through and reflect backup to the wearer. With the brilliant cut, light enters the stone, reflects off the different facets (or sides), and bounces back up through the face of the gem showcasing a brilliant light show!

TOP TO BOTTOM: Oval, Brilliant Cut Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Round, Brilliant Cut Color Changing Spinel & Diamond Pendant in 14K White Gold

Square Cuts

There are two main types of cuts when looking for a square look. The most popular being Princess Cut, and another unfamiliar cut is the Ascher.

Princess Cut

The princess cut diamond evolved from the French cut, which evolved from the table cut appearing in the 14th century. It features facets similar to the brilliant cut that showcase a gem’s gorgeous inner beauty!

Rainbow Princess Cut Sapphires Ring in White Gold

Asscher Cut

The distinctive Asscher cut diamond is easily distinguishable from the Princess cut by a couple of its most dominant traits. It may look similar to its sister-cut - the emerald cut - whose straight step-cut facets allow for a perfect glimpse inside the stone. But Asscher cuts are a clip-cornered squarer version of the emerald cut rather than elongated and rectangular.

Asscher Cut Umbalite Garnet and Diamonds Ring in 14K White Gold

Trilliant & Trillion Cut

The trilliant and trillion cuts are believed to date back to the 18th century in Amsterdam, and then later the name was finally coined by Leon Finker. The triangular shape makes for one-of-a-kind designs and stands out from other cuts. The difference between these two cuts is Trilliant cuts have a sharper point and Trillion cuts have more rounded points. These two styles are oftentimes used as side-stones in designs, but make for show-stopping center stones as well!

LEFT TO RIGHT: Trillion Cut Peridot and Diamonds Ring in 14K Yellow and White Gold; Trilliant Cut Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold.

Emerald Cut

Similar to that of the Asscher cut, Emerald cuts feature a step-like look that really shows off the inside of the stone. When used on more transparent gems such as Peridot, the birthstone for August, it gives the gemstone a mirrored look for that extra bling! When used on stones such as emeralds and rubies, this style allows the wearer to see the natural inclusions inside each stone that make them so unique.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Emerald-Cut Peridot and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold; Emerald Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold.

Fantasy Cut

At UniQ Jewelry Gallery, our utmost favorite cut of them all: fantasy cut. These are truly one-of-a-kind, one-in-a-million gemstone cuts. Each of these gemstones is cut and faceted to your wildest imagination! These types of cuts are what take our one-of-a-kind designs to the next level. See some of our favorite show stoppers.

LEFT TO RIGHT: 18.68 carat Fantasy Cut Sky Blue Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold; 12mm x 14mm Fantasy Cut Citrine Pendant Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold; 4.83 carat Fantasy Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Pendant in 14K White Gold

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