When it comes to gemstone shapes, there are a seemingly endless variety and sizes to choose from. It can make it challenging to decide on the suitable stone for you, but with some knowledge about gemstone shapes, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your needs.
The shape of the gemstone is determined by its internal and external structure. The external shape is the one that we see and is usually a result of how the gemstone was cut. The internal shape, which is only visible under a microscope, is determined by the crystal lattice of the gemstone. Some of the most popular gemstone shapes include;
Gemstone Shapes | Round
It is no surprise that the brilliant round cut is the most popular diamond shape. The round shape maximizes a diamond’s fire, brilliance, and scintillation. It is because the Round brilliant cut was designed to do just that. When a round diamond is cut to the proper proportions, 58 facets have been created that help to reflect light and create those beautiful “fire” and “brilliance” effects. Rounds are the most popular choice for solitaire diamond engagement rings, as well as for diamond stud earrings and other types of diamond jewelry.
Gemstone Shapes | Princess
The princess cut is a relatively new diamond shape created in the 1970s. It is a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners. The princess cut is often considered a more modern take on the brilliant round cut, as it also maximizes fire and brilliance.
Many prefer the Princess cut over the Round brilliant because it has fewer facets (only 34) and therefore requires less cutting to achieve those beautiful fire and brilliance effects. Princess cut diamonds are a popular choice for engagement rings, anniversary bands, and other types of diamond jewelry.
Gemstone Shapes | Asscher
The Asscher cut is a variation of the square emerald cut. It was created by Joseph Asscher in 1902 and has become popular recently. The Asscher cut is square with trimmed corners and has 64 facets. It is a popular choice for engagement rings. The Asscher cut was originally designed for cutting emeralds but is now used for other gemstones, such as diamonds. The square shape gives the stone a modern look, and the trimmed corners highlight its brilliance. The 64 facets create a lot of sparkles and make the Asscher cut popular for engagement rings.
Gemstone Shapes | Baguette
Baguette gemstones are long and thin, with parallel sides and a squared-off end. They are often used in jewelry as accent stones due to their beautiful and unique shape. Baguette gemstones can also be used in other applications, such as in carvings or as part of a design. Some people also use baguette gemstones as focal points in their jewelry creations.
Baguette gemstones are often cut from various gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. They can also be made from other materials, such as quartz or glass. Baguette gemstones are usually cut to be around 20-40% of the length of the original stone. It allows for the most beautiful and symmetrical shapes to be created.
The history of the baguette gemstone is not well known, but it is believed that the shape was first created in the 18th century. It is thought that the baguette shape was named after a type of bread that was popular at the time. Baguette gemstones quickly became popular due to their unique and elegant shape, and they continue to be a favorite choice for jewelry designers and gem collectors today.
Gemstone Shapes | Brioletttese
Brioletttese is gemstone cut in a particular way so that they have a teardrop shape. They are often used as pendants or earrings. Briolettes are also sometimes referred to as drop-cut gemstones.
The briolette cut is a variation of the pear shape and is generally more elongated. The top of the stone is cut into a rounded teardrop shape, and the bottom is cut into a point. This type of cut allows for more faceting on the stone, which results in a higher level of brilliance.
Briolette gemstones are often used in jewelry because they are beautiful and Eye-catching. They can also be quite affordable, making them a popular choice for people who want to wear gemstone jewelry but don’t want to spend much money. Briolettes are also famous for use in earrings because they hang nicely and add a touch of elegance to any outfit.
Some people believe that briolette gemstones have specific therapeutic properties. They are said to be able to help with issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether or not this is true is debatable, but there is no harm in wearing them simply for their beauty.
Gemstone Shapes | Cabochon
The Cabochon gemstone is a style of cutting that is circular and domed, with the flat faceted top removed. It gives the gem a smooth, domed appearance. The Cabochon cut is often used for opaque and semiprecious stones, as it brings out their color and brilliance.
The Cabochon cut was first used in the early 1500s and was popularized by King Louis XIV of France. He had several jewels cut in this style, including the famous Cabochon ruby known as the “The Regent.”
The Cabochon cut is often used for less expensive gemstones, as it is easier to cut than other styles. It is also less likely to show wear, making it a good choice for jewelry worn often.
The Cabochon cut is popular among gemstone collectors as it can show off the beauty of the stone in a unique way. It is also popular among people looking for a unique piece of jewelry.
Gemstone Shapes | Cushion
The cushion cut is a variation of the square cut. The corners are rounded off, making the shape more like a pillow or Cushion. It gives the stone a softer look. The cushion cut is often used for diamonds and other gemstones. It was popular in the early 1900s and has come back into fashion in recent years.
The appearance of a cushion-cut diamond can be changed depending on the angle from which it is viewed. When a cushion-cut diamond is set in a ring, it often has a lot of sparkles. It is because there are more facets on the top and bottom of the diamond than on the sides. The facets reflect more light, making the diamond appear brighter.
They are often set in vintage-style rings. They can also be used in other types of jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings. It is a popular choice for engagement rings. It is often seen as a more traditional diamond cut than a modern princess cut. It can range from just under one carat to over five carats. They are available in various colors, including yellow, white, and pink. The color of the diamond will affect its price.
Gemstone Shapes | Emerald
The Emerald is a green gemstone that is found in the form of a hexagonal crystal. The Emerald is one of the world’s most popular and valuable gemstones. It is said to bring its owner good luck, peace, and prosperity. The Emerald has been used as a talisman or amulet to protect against evil spirits. It is also said to be a symbol of love and fidelity. It is often given as a gift to commemorate an engagement or wedding.
The Emerald is the birthstone for May. It is also the traditional gemstone for the thirteenth anniversary. It is found in many shades of green, from light to deep green. The most valuable Emeralds are a bright green color. It is a hard gemstone that is durable and scratch-resistant. It is usually found in the form of a hexagonal crystal. It is one of the few gemstones found in masses or clusters.
The cut has been used for centuries as a gemstone. It is said to bring its owner good luck, peace, and prosperity. It has been used for centuries as a talisman or amulet to protect against evil spirits.
Gemstone Shapes | Heart
A heart-shaped gemstone is cut to emphasize its natural shape. The most popular use for a heart-shaped gemstone is as a romantic gift to express love and affection. Heart-shaped gemstones can also be used in jewelry designs that promote happiness and joy. Typical colors for heart-shaped gemstones include red, pink, and purple. Some heart-shaped gemstones may also have a black or brown color. These gemstones are usually cut from quartz, agate, or jasper.
A heart-shaped gemstone is also a popular choice for a birthstone. January is the traditional month for a heart-shaped birthstone, but other months may also be assigned to this shape. Some additional months commonly associated with heart-shaped birthstones include February, April, May, and November. Heart-shaped gemstones can also be used in jewelry designs for other special occasions, such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.
When buying a heart-shaped gemstone, it is crucial to consider the quality of the cut. The most important factor to look for is the symmetry of the shape. The facets should be evenly spaced, and there should be no significant blemishes on the gemstone’s surface. It is also essential to consider the color and clarity of the gemstone.
“The shape of the gemstone is determined by its internal and external structure. The external shape is the one that we see and is usually a result of how the gemstone was cut. The internal shape, which is only visible under a microscope, is determined by the crystal lattice of the gemstone.”
Gemstone Shapes | Marquise
The Marquise gemstone is a unique shape that is not often seen in the gemstone world. It is an elongated oval with pointed ends and curves inward towards the center. Marquise comes from the French word marquise, which means “marquis” or “marchioness.” This shape was originally designed for use in jewelry by the French aristocracy.
The Marquise is often used as an accent stone and is popular in rings, necklaces, and earrings. It can be cut in any color of the gemstone spectrum and is especially beautiful in diamonds. The pointed ends and inward curve of the stone create a lot of sparkle and light reflection, making it a popular choice for high-end jewelry. Marquise gemstones are also often used in estate jewelry.
Gemstone Shapes | Octagon
The Octagon is an eight-sided gemstone shape. It is not as common as some other shapes but can be found in various materials. The Octagon is often used in settings with different shapes to create exciting designs.
Some of the most popular uses for octagon gemstones include:
-As a centerpiece in a ring or necklace
-In a setting with other gemstones to create a design
-In a pendant or earrings
The Octagon is also a popular shape for cameos. A cameo is a carved piece of jewelry with a raised design on a background different from the cameo material. The most popular cameo type is a portrait cameo, which features a person’s likeness or the head of a deity.
It is an exciting and unique shape that can add some personality to your jewelry designs. Consider using an octagon gemstone in your next project if you’re looking for something different.
Gemstone Shapes | Oval
The oval gemstone is a shape that is considered to be classic and timeless. It has been used for centuries in jewelry and is still popular today. Oval gemstones can be found in various colors and sizes, and they are often used to create beautiful jewelry pieces.
One of the benefits of using an oval gemstone is that it can be used in various ways. It can be set in a simple setting or part of a more complex design. Oval gemstones can also be used in multiple jewelry styles, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Many people choose to use oval gemstones because they are very versatile. They can be used to create several different jewelry styles and are also very affordable. Oval gemstones are an excellent choice for people who want to add some color and style to their jewelry collection.
Gemstone Shapes | Radiant
The radiant cut is a relatively new addition to the gemstone world, created in the 1970s. It is a square or rectangular-cut stone with triangular facets arranged in a six-pointed star pattern. It gives the stone a brilliant display of light and color.
It is often used for diamonds but any gemstone. It is trendy for engagement rings, showing off the diamond’s brilliance to its best advantage.
This cut is also relatively easy to care for, as the sharp edges of the facets make it less likely to get scratched or chipped. However, it is still a good idea to have your radiant-cut gemstones insured in case of damage.
Gemstone Shapes | Trilliant
Trilliant gemstone cuts are triangular and have pointed corners. They are usually used for diamonds but can also be used for other gemstones. Trilliant cuts are often used in solitaire diamond rings and necklaces. They are also popular as side stones in engagement rings and other jewelry.
It gets its name from the three sides that meet at the point. They are often used to accentuate a diamond’s fire and brilliance. Trilliant cuts can also make smaller diamonds appear more significant.
The pointed corners of a trilliant cut can make it vulnerable to chipping, so they should be handled with care. Trilliant cuts are available in a wide range of sizes, making them a good choice for many different types of jewelry.
Gemstone Shapes | Buff-top
Buff-top gemstone cuts are so named because the finished gemstone has a rounded or buffed top. This type of cut is used predominantly on cabochon-style gemstones. The purpose of this type of cut is to showcase the gemstone’s color and patterning. The buff-top cut is not as popular as some other gemstone cuts, but it can be beautiful when used on the correct type of gemstone. The buff-top cut is a simple, round cut that shows off the color and patterning of cabochon-style gemstones.
Conclusion
When choosing a gemstone, it’s essential to consider the shape. Some shapes are more common than others, and each has unique properties. Here is a look at some of the most popular gemstone shapes and their use.
