BRILLIANT
The brilliant cut was developed in the 18th century, and has since become the most common form of cut for diamonds. The large number of facets help to refract light throughout the stone and maximise the stone's scintillation.
The facts
Brilliant cuts contain 56 facets, not counting the table and culet, making them extraordinarily difficult to cut by hand. Modern brilliant cuts are achieved with computers and specialist machinery. Older examples represent the hand-crafted efforts of truly talented lapidaries.
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BRIOLETTE
The briolette creates a full three-dimensional teardrop shape which is almost organic, despite being comprised of precise angular facets.
The facts
Briolettes form wonderful droppers for pendants, earrings and necklaces, and display a magnificent shine whenever the wearer moves.
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CABOCHON
With a smooth, domed face and flat back, the cabochon lacks the hard edges and planes of all other cuts.
The facts
Cabochon cuts are excellent for displaying the inner fire and iridescence of stones such as opals, moonstones and the extremely rare star sapphire.
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CUSHION
Also known as the "mine cut" the cushion cut is made up of 64 facets, a greater number than the more prevalent brilliant cut.
The facts
The added sparkle provided by the cushion cut's extra facets make it ideally suited to the most precious of gems, including diamonds, rubies and sapphires.
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HEART
Cut and polished in the easily recognisable shape of a heart, these stones are an easily identifiable symbol of love and devotion.
The facts
The myriad facets that allow heart cut stones to assume their shape result in extraordinary plays of light unlike any other cut.
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MARQUIS
The marquis cut, also known as the navette or "boat shaped" cut is extremely popular in french jewellery.
The facts
Tapered toward each end with smooth flowing curves between, the marquis cut featured prominently in european court jewellery.
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OLD
The forerunner of the modern brilliant cut, the old cut was sometimes known as the old european cut.
The facts
With larger and less numerous facets than a brilliant cut, the old cut was made to allow the stone to sparkle under candlelight, creating a dancing display of light.
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OVAL
An elongated variant of the brilliant cut, the oval cut provides a slimmer profile and more complex pattern in its plays of light.
The facts
Often arranged in rings with the longer sides running along the finger, these stones create a slimmer, more delicate profile.
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PRINCESS
Also known as the "square modified brilliant cut" the princess cut creates a dazzling display with an angular appearance when viewed from above.
The facts
Princess cut is a newer name for an array of similar square cuts found throughout many pieces. Although the modern princess is a single stone the label applies to many precursor cuts.
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ROSE
Favoured in the Georgian era before being superseded by more elaborate cuts, the rose cut is an important piece of lapidary history.
The facts
With a distinctive charm, the rose cut is almost completely confined to antique jewellery, and such pieces have been crafted to show them off to their greatest appeal.
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PEAR
The pear cut, also known as the teardrop cut, creates the stylised form of a droplet frozen in precious stone.
The facts
Used extensively in droppers for earrings and pendant, these wondrous cuts sparkle beautifully when worn.
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STEPPED
Also known as the "emerald cut" this pattern consists of long, straight edges and stark angled facets.
The facts
The step or stepped cut was created to protect brittle, easily damaged stones such as emeralds from wear and tear.
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