# Types of gem and diamond cuts

> A catalog of the most common gem and diamond cuts: brilliant, princess, emerald, Asscher, radiant, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, heart, baguette and cabochon.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/types-of-gem-and-diamond-cuts/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-20
- Updated: 2026-09-20
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/tipos-de-talla-de-gemas/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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The cut is the shape in which a gem is cut. It changes its look, sparkle and price. It should not be confused with “cut quality”, one of the [4Cs of diamonds](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond-4cs-cut-color-clarity-carat/).

![Twelve gem cuts seen from above](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/gem-cuts.en.svg "Gem cuts: shape and traits")

![Side view of a cut stone with table, crown, girdle, pavilion and culet](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/gem-anatomy.en.svg "Parts of a cut stone")

## Round and square cuts

- **Round brilliant:** the most common, with 57 or 58 facets arranged to maximize sparkle.
- **Princess:** square, with sharp corners.
- **Cushion:** square or rectangular with rounded corners.
- **Radiant:** rectangular with cut corners and lots of sparkle.
- **Asscher:** square with cut corners and stepped facets.

## Elongated and fancy cuts

- **Emerald (step):** rectangular with stepped facets; shows off color and clarity.
- **Oval:** visually lengthens the finger.
- **Pear:** a drop with one point.
- **Marquise:** an oval pointed at both ends.
- **Heart and trillion (triangle):** fancy shapes.
- **Baguette:** a narrow rectangle, often in side stones.

## Other cuts

- **[Cabochon](https://www.711grados.com/en/cabochon-cutting/):** smooth dome, no facets.
- **Briolette:** faceted teardrop, drilled.
- **Rose cut:** flat base and dome of triangular facets; antique.
- **Old cuts (old mine, European):** those before the modern brilliant.

## Parts of a cut stone

The **table** (the flat top facet), the **crown** (upper part), the **girdle** (the outer edge), the **pavilion** (lower part) and the **culet** (the point or bottom facet).

## How to choose a cut

- **For maximum sparkle:** round brilliant or princess.
- **To show off the color and clarity** of a transparent stone: emerald or Asscher.
- **To make the finger look longer:** oval, pear or marquise.
- **For a vintage look:** cushion, rose cut or old cut.
- **For a soft, warm look:** cushion or cabochon ([cabochon](https://www.711grados.com/en/cabochon-cutting/)).

## Cut and price

At equal weight, the round brilliant is usually the most expensive because more material is lost cutting it; fancy shapes (pear, marquise, heart) usually cost less per carat. Cut quality —symmetry, proportions and polish— affects sparkle more than shape does. See [the 4Cs](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond-4cs-cut-color-clarity-carat/).

## Which setting goes with each cut

Sharp corners (princess, emerald, marquise, pear) need prongs or a bezel to protect them, because those are the areas that chip most. The round is held well by four or six prongs. See [types of setting](https://www.711grados.com/en/stone-settings-types/).

## Cut of a stone and size of a ring

Do not confuse the *cut* of a gem with the *size* of a ring ([ring size](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-find-your-ring-size/)).

## See also

- [Gemstone faceting](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstone-faceting/)
- [Cabochon cutting](https://www.711grados.com/en/cabochon-cutting/)
- [The 4Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity and carat](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond-4cs-cut-color-clarity-carat/)
- [Diamond](https://www.711grados.com/en/diamond/)