Welcome to JewelWords.com - A resource for Diamond Cut Terms and Information.

Diamond cuts include: Asscher | Cushion | Baguette | Emerald | Heart | Marquise
Oval | Pear | Princess | Radiant | Round | Trillion

Asscher Cut Diamond

Asscher Diamond

The asscher cut diamond is a square emerald cut with deep cropped corners and 72 facets. The contemporary version of the asscher cut diamonds has more facets and the corners are cropped less. The asscher cut diamond was developed in 1902 by Abraham and Joseph Asscher of the Royal Asscher Diamond Company. The asscher cut diamond was originally popular in the 1920’s and has recently become popular again.

Cushion Cut Diamond

Cushion Diamond

The cushion cut diamond, also called a pillow cut diamond and a candlelight diamond, is an antique diamond cut with a pillow shape. The cushion cut diamond has large open facets and while they are not known for their fire or brilliance – they are closely identified with the romantic qualities if a classic diamond cut.

Baguette Cut Diamond

Baguette Diamond

The baguette cut diamond can be either long and narrow or more rectangular in shape like an emerald cut diamond’s proportions. Baguette is french for bread stick. When used as a primary stone in a setting - the proportions usually are more rectangular. Baguette stones are typically used as accent stones in a setting.

Emerald Cut Diamond

Emerald Diamond

Developed originally for emeralds, the emerald cut diamond is a stepped cut, and noted for its long lines – giving more flash and less fire. It is often used in men’s jewelry and can be either square or rectangular in overall shape.  The corners of the emerald cut are typically truncated or flattened to protect them. Since it is not as fiery as brilliant cuts, generally it is important to select a higher quality diamond – as defects tend to be more noticeable.

Heart Diamond Cut

Heart Diamond

Heart diamond cuts are basically a pear shaped diamond with a cleft on the top. It is considered a romantic cut for obvious reasons.

Marquise Cut Diamond

Marquise Diamond

Marquise diamonds, also known as Navette diamonds, are similar to oval cuts but with pointed ends and a slightly narrower middle. With the same amount of facets as the round brilliant cut diamonds, marquise cut diamonds share their fiery brilliance.

Oval Cut Diamond

Oval Diamond

The oval cut diamond is comparable to a brilliant cut with an oval shape. A common issue with oval cuts (as well as other related cuts) is proper proportion and the bow-tie effect - which is a dark bow-tie shaped dull area in the center of the diamond – which is why it is important to select a well cut Oval diamond.

Pear Cut Diamond

Pear Diamond

The pear shaped diamond, also known as a pendeloque or the teardrop diamond, is a combination of the round brilliant cut and a marquise cut – typically cut from specific rough diamonds so that they will have the most carat weight.

Princess Cut Diamond

Princess Diamond

The princess cut diamond is the second most popular diamond cut to the round brilliant cut. It is also referred to as a square modified brilliant and is cut to have more fire and brilliance than other square cuts. Since the princess cut diamond requires less cutting on the rough diamond, princess cut diamonds generally have a higher carat weight than a round cut.

Radiant Cut Diamond

Radiant Diamond

The radiant cut diamond is a combines the brilliance of the standard round brilliant cut diamond with the emerald cut diamond shape. Developed in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, the radiant cut diamond is popular as a diamond for an engagement ring as well as other pieces of diamond jewelry. The round cut diamond is the most popular diamond cut and generally allows a good balance between color, cut and clarity.

Round Cut Diamond

Round Diamond

The round cut diamond is the most popular diamond cut and generally allows a good balance between color, cut and clarity.

Trillion Cut Diamond

Trillion Diamond

The trillion cut diamond - and the variation, the trilliant cut diamond - are the main style of triangular shapes diamonds. Originally developed in Amsterdam, the trillion cut is often used as complimentary side stones in a setting and is considered a variant of the radiant cut. Trillion Cut diamonds have 25 facets on the crown and 19 facets on the pavilion. Trilliant cut diamonds have the sharp corners of a true triangle while trillion cuts have slightly more rounded corners.