Gemstone Shape Buying Guide
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The shape of your stone is an aesthetic choice, not a measure of quality. Every jewellery wearer has a different idea for what kind of shape she (or he) would like the stone to form. If you're dealing with someone who doesn't have rock-hard opinions about gemstone shape, here are the options before you.
Certain shapes are better at hiding and emphasizing different traits of stones, so you may have to negotiate individual stones accordingly. If you have a specific rock already in mind, work with its qualities (and a jeweller) to get the most flattering shape. If you're not sure yet, try to pick a shape and a gem and then find a specific rock that has the right balance of strengths to fit your price.
Common Gemstone Cuts
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This cut was all the rage in the 19th century. It has about 64 facets. |
This is a narrow rectangular cut with about 20 facets. A tapered baguette is a trapezoid, as one end is narrower than the other end. |
A pear shaped gemstone covered with facets that comes to a point at one end. |
A smooth surface without facets. Very common with turquoise and opal jewelry. |
A rectangular or square step cut with diagonal corners. It contains roughly 50 facets. |
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The name says it all here, folks. Usually contains about 59 facets. |
A symmetrical boat shaped with pointed ends. Contains about 57 facets. |
This is a step cut but with the four corners metered. The facets run in steps parallel to the gemstone circumference. This cut is differentiated from the Emerald cut by steps on the pavilion that are not equidistant. It has approximately 53 facets. |
Again, the name pretty much explains the cut. This shape usually has about 69 facets. |
Asymmetrical cut with one pointed and one rounded end. A beautiful combination of the oval cut and the marquise cut, this shape has about 71 facets. |
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Technically known as the "Square Modified Brilliant", this cut has about 76 facets. |
A rectangular cut similar to the emerald cut but with the sparkle of a brilliant. It has about 70 facets. |
The classic round cut is the most traditional and common of all cuts. It has about 57 facets. |
This triangular shape has about 44 facets. |
An oblong shape with all sides the same length. This cut has about 57 facets. |
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