Diamond cuts & shapes

A diamond’s cut focuses on its symmetry, proportions and how its facets interact with light. A diamond shape, on the other hand, only describes the geometric appearance of a diamond. This is why diamond shapes are often interchangeably referred to as cuts.

We’ll help you understand a diamond’s anatomy, detailing out the different characteristics which form a well-cut diamond and the cutting techniques which then in turn influence a diamonds shape.

Explore the page: DIAMOND ANATOMY | DIAMOND CUTTING TECHNIQUES | DIAMOND SHAPES

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DIAMOND ANATOMY
DIAMOND CUTTING TECHNIQUES
DIAMOND SHAPES

Understanding the
diamond anatomy

When a rough diamond is cut to create its polished form, it’s made up of a faceted structure which helps it perform and sparkle its very best.

Table

The large facet in the centre and on the top of the diamond. The table plays a vital role in sparkle and can vary in size depending on the diamond’s cut.

Crown

The upper part of a diamond between the girdle and the table, made up of star facets, bezel facets and the upper girdle.

Star

The star facets are found around the table. They let a multitude of light through and shine in different directions to create more brilliance.

Bezel

Bezel facets sit next to the star facets around the diamond table. A round brilliant diamond has eight bezel facets that are ‘kite’ shaped and help to form the crown.

Upper Girdle

These are diamond facets that sit above the girdle, leading on to the bezel facets. They help to reflect fire and brilliance.

Girdle

The girdle is the thin perimeter that divides the crown from the pavilion. Round brilliant diamonds have faceted girdles to give greater transparency of the diamond.

Lower Girdle

Lower girdle facets sit just below the girdle and next to the pavilion. They help to reflect light into a multitude of directions.

Pavilion

The pavilion is the bottom half of a diamond. The facets within the pavilion help light bounce, enter and reflect through a diamond.

Culet

Found on the bottom of a diamond, the cutlet is the flat face at the base of the pavilion where the facets of the pavilion meet.

The diamond cutting techniques

The faceted structure of a polished diamond can be different depending on any inclusions and the size of its rough diamond form. There a three main cutting techniques that help to create the diamonds we know and love.

Brilliant Cut

One of the most popular cuts, the brilliant cut is made up of 57 or 58 kite and triangular facets. These facets radiate from the diamonds centre towards its girdle, fully optimising its brilliance and light return. Diamond shapes such as round brilliant, cushion, oval, marquise, pear and heart-shaped are all cut using the brilliant faceting style.
Step Cut
Mixed Cut

Which diamond shape to choose?

Thanks to its cutting technique, diamonds come in many different beautiful shapes and sizes. We’re here to help you find the one that’s perfect for you.

Princess Cut

A glamorous and contemporary square shape based on the brilliant cut.

A contemporary diamond shape, the princess cut showcases a modern square-shape with a glamorous feel. We love the luxurious feel of this cut and is a beautiful choice for a romantic solitaire diamond engagement ring.

Cushion Cut

A cushion cut diamond is the most common mixed cut diamond.

Boasting a square shape that’s softened by rounded edges, the cushion cut blends faceted elements from both the brilliant cut and step cut for a unique spin on the beautiful round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.

Marquise Shaped

Elongated brilliant cut for a visually larger diamond.

For something a little different, a marquise cut diamond is the perfect choice. Often described as ‘boat-shaped’, the elliptical shape gives you a visually larger diamond and can also help make your fingers look long and slender.

Round Brilliant Cut

Perfectly symmetrical for the most dramatic sparkle.

Typically cut with 57 facets, round brilliant diamonds are a very popular choice for engagement rings. The round shape lets the light disperse beautifully from the bottom and out through the top of the diamond for magnificent fire and sparkle.

Oval Shaped

A twist on the brilliant cut for excellent scintillation.

Oval diamonds are a stunning twist on the classic round brilliant diamond. This means they radiate a similar exceptional sparkle to the brilliant cut, making them a popular choice for those looking for on-trend, modern style.

Pear Shaped

Pear-shaped diamonds boast a brilliant cut for magnificent sparkle.

Known as both pear-shaped and teardrop diamonds, this style can be worn with the point facing upwards or downwards, depending on your preference. This shape is a beautiful combination of round brilliant and marquise diamonds, so you know its sparkle will be breathtaking.

Emerald Cut

An elegant shape formed by the step cut and inspired by emerald stones.

The long facets of an emerald cut diamond will highlight its clarity. This style is perfect for lovers of vintage glamour and looks particularly beautiful with a halo of round brilliant diamonds.