Types of gemstone cuts: Which ones exist and how to choose the right one?

What is a gemstone cut and why is it so important?

The cut of a gemstone has a fundamental influence on its aesthetic beauty. It refers to the way the stone is cut, not its shape (silhouette). It is a masterpiece that determines how the stone captures light, how it reveals its color and luster, and how it emphasizes its clarity. The right cut can turn a stone into an enchanting piece of jewelry, while the wrong cut will suppress its beauty. That is why gemstone cutting is a very demanding process that requires precision, experience, and a sense of proportion. Every angle and every facet plays a role. 

We offer various types of cuts. Brilliant cut, which maximizes sparkle, round cut, which gives jewelry a romantic touch, and cabochon cut, which highlights the color of the gemstone. You will also find raw diamonds, which retain their authentic, natural appearance. Each of these types has its own character and can distinguish a piece of jewelry and make it unique.

Faceted cuts

Brilliant, the king of sparkle

The most famous and popular cut is the brilliant cut. It is typically round in shape with 57–58 facets, which allow for maximum light reflection and sparkle. This makes the stone literally shine and attract attention.

The brilliant cut is most commonly used for diamonds, but it is also suitable for other high-quality gemstones, such as sapphires or rubies. This cut can emphasize the color and clarity of a stone, but also its imperfections, so every detail stands out. This can be used, for example, in moss agate jewellery, where distinctive inclusions are desirable.

In addition to its charming beauty, this cut is also practical. Jewelry with gemstones cut into brilliants has a timeless look and fits well in elegant rings, necklaces, and earrings. If you want your jewelry to be eye-catching and look luxurious, brilliant is a choice that never disappoints.

Rose cut with vintage charm

Less well known, but equally fascinating, is the rose cut, also known as rosette. It consists of a flat pavilion (lower part) and a cut, dome-shaped crown with several triangular and diamond-shaped (rout) facets, usually ranging in number from 3 to 24. This allows it to reflect light more softly than a brilliant cut, creating a romantic and delicate sparkle.

The rose cut has a long history – it was very popular from the 16th to the 19th century, and today you can find it mainly in vintage jewelry. It is ideal for stones with minor inclusions or lower clarity, as the facets divert attention from unwanted imperfections while giving the stone a distinctive character. Here, you will most often find it in salt and pepper diamond jewellery.

If you are looking for something with a touch of nostalgia and subtle elegance, the round cut is a great choice for you. Jewelry with this cut looks discreet, but you will definitely never overlook it.

Faceless cut

Cabochon, smooth and sophisticated cut

Compared to the cuts mentioned above, cabochon looks different. It is a smoothly cut stone with a flat bottom and a rounded top. It has no facets, so it does not reflect light like a brilliant or round cut, but it emphasizes the color and natural beauty of gemstones even more.

This type is ideal for opaque minerals such as opals or strawberry quartz. Thanks to its smooth surface and subtle shine, the cabochon looks very elegant and minimalist. It is used in rings, pendants, and earrings when you want the stone to be the dominant feature without the jewelry attracting too much attention.

Cabochons lend gemstones a subtle sophistication and are often used in both modern and vintage jewelry because they create a natural and timeless impression.

Step cut

Emerald cut

The emerald cut has a rectangular shape with cut corners and wide, parallel facets that create a "stairs" effect. Unlike the brilliant cut, it does not create maximum sparkle, but rather elegant mirror reflections that emphasize the color and clarity of the gemstone.

It is typical for emeralds, from which it gets its name, but it is also often used for diamonds, moissanites and sapphires. Due to the larger surface area in the center, the quality of the stone is very important, as it can reveal even the slightest inclusion.

It has a sophisticated, minimalist, and timeless look. Thanks to its noble appearance, it is particularly popular for engagement rings and elegant solitaire jewelry.

The beauty of raw diamonds

Last but not least, our collections include raw diamonds that retain their natural, authentic appearance. They have no facets and are not polished. They simply look exactly as nature created them.

These stones are unique. Each one is original, and you will never find two identical pieces. Raw diamond jewellery stands out for its individuality, uniqueness, and rusticity. They are best showcased on their own, for example in solitaire rings, where each of their "imperfections" becomes the greatest advantage of the piece. 

How to choose the right cut?

Successful selection of a cut depends on several factors:

• Stone type: Each gemstone or diamond looks best with a different cut. Therefore, always consider the type of stone being cut to highlight its unique characteristics.

• Purpose of the jewelry: Massive rings and necklaces often look best with a brilliant or round cut, while the beauty of minimalist jewelry is enhanced by a cabochon or unusual roughness.

• Personal style: Do you want the gemstone to look natural? Choose a rough diamond. Do you love minimalism? Then a cabochon will be the best choice for you. And if you adore everything that sparkles, choose a luxurious brilliant or a romantic round cut.

If you don't find exactly what you are looking for in our collection of designer jewelry, we will be happy to create a custom piece of jewelry for you that will perfectly reflect your style and ideas.

Discover designer jewelry you will fall in love with