Common Diamond and Gemstone Shapes

Round (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Oval (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Emerald (Faceted & Cabochon) The most popular of the step cuts
Cushion (Faceted & Cabochon) They have a square shape with rounded edges
Marquise (Faceted & Cabochon) They have pointed ends and are curved on the sides
Pear (Faceted & Cabochon) The have a rounded edge tapering to a point
Trillion & Triangle (Faceted & Cabochon) Trillion cuts have slightly rounded sides & triangles have straight
Princess & Square (Faceted, Cabochon & Rose Cut)
Baguette Thin and elongated with corners with some straight and some that are tapered on one end
Radiant They are usually elongated and have beveled corners
Asscher They are a step cut stone that has an emerald or square shape with cut corners
Heart (Faceted & Cabochon)

The Three Main Gem Cutting Styles

Brilliant Cut – Brilliant cuts consist of triangular and kite-shaped facets that spread from the center of the gem outward. They give off the most light dispersion of any cut.

Step Cut – Step cuts consist of rectangular facets that descend down in steps. Step cuts include emerald and baguette cuts. They show off the stone’s color and clarity. They are generally not as brilliant, but they often appear larger than than other shapes of of the same carat weight.

Mixed Cuts – Mixed cuts combine the brilliant and step cut styles. They have brilliant facets on the crown and step facets on the pavilion, or vice versa. Mixed cuts may even combine cabbing and faceting techniques.

Other Gem Cutting Styles

Cabochon Cut – Cabochons gems are polished into domes. Certain gems, such as opal and moonstone, better display visual effects such as play of color and asterism (star effect). In faceted gems, these effects would be less visible. Some stones may be cut into cabochons because they are a lower quality or too opaque for faceting. Cabochon stones emphasize their color and luster instead of their brilliance. Softer gem materials may also receive cabochon cuts. Opal, Turquoise, Moonstone, Jade, and Onyx are usually Cabochons.

Rose Cut – The rose cut dates back to the 16th century. The rose cut has a round, cabbed flat base and a faceted top.

Checkerboard Cut – In a checkerboard cut, the gem is cut with square facets, so its crown resembles a checkerboard. This cut is sometimes used on translucent stones.