Guide to Gemstone Shapes

Unlike the Four Cs, the shape of your stone is an aesthetic choice, not a measure of quality. Every jewelry 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 jeweler) 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.

Don't forget to learn about gemstones and read the Diamond Buying Guide. And if this is a very special occassion, you're going to need to know how to buy an engagement ring.

Round cuts are most popular because of their classic simplicity. Their 58 facets (faces) give the maximum sparkle.	Oval cuts elegantly lengthen the fingers. Perfect for smaller hands.	Marquise cuts are great on their own or with baguettes. Make sure its corners don't snag on pockets.	Pear/Teardrop cuts look especially beautiful in necklaces or earrings. You'll look like you're literally dripping in gemstones.	Heart cuts are hard to master but can be gorgeous. A favorite among women who adore heart-shaped jewelry and looked down upon by the rest.

Emerald cuts are brilliant with the more flawless stones. Its openness magnifies everything, good and bad.	Princess cuts are new and require a deep stone. Very attractive on long hands and with triangular baguettes.	Trilliant cuts are rare and daring. The stone has to really take to the cut or it may just look poorly executed.	Asscher and Radiant cuts are squares with the corners cut off. Very beautiful. Asscher cuts highlight the clarity of a stone while radiant cuts focus on the color and clarity.	Cushion cuts were all the rage 100 years ago. For some old-fashioned sparkle and an emphasis on clarity, go this route.

External Links

• About -- Basic information on the most popular shapes.
• Blue Nile -- Great descriptions for matching your stone to your shape.
• The Diamond Buying Guide -- Simple, clear descriptions of each shape.
• Diamond Grading -- In-depth descriptions of each shape, with measurements and percentages and everything.
• Diamond SE -- Even more details about each shape.
• Loose diamonds education -- Information on  different cuts of  one of the types of loose diamonds.