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STONE CUTS

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Selecting the right shape of stone for your bespoke piece can be as important as the choice of gemstone. Not only do certain cuts suit different tastes, but they can also affect the setting style required or the durability of the stone. 

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We have put together a short list of some of the most common stone cuts, their history, as well as, which gemstones would be cut in that style. 

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This is not a complete list and we love to also use unusual stone cuts in our work, such as: hexagons, shields, kites and pentagons. These stones are rare to find but can be sourced if you have a special project in mind. 

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ROUND BRILLIANT

The round is the most common shape for all gemstones, but the round brilliant cut was created specifically to maximise a diamond's beauty. Comprised of 57 facets and precise angles, this is the shape that will make your diamond sparkle the most.

OVAL

Invented in 1957 the oval cut is the sister of the round brilliant cut. 
It is becoming increasingly popular in engagement rings due to its ability to lengthen the look of the finger. 
Because of its elongated shape the oval will also often look bigger than a round stone of the same carat weight. 
Perfect if you would like something a little different, yet still classic.

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PEAR

Much like the oval and marquise cuts pear shaped stones elongate the finger and look bigger than a round stone, whilst still providing you with a lot of  sparkle.
Your pear shape will also be slightly less expensive than the equivalent round stone as less material is lost in cutting.

MARQUISE

An incredibly romantic cut originating in France, the marquise cut is said to be modelled on the shape of Madame du Pompadour's lips, Louis XV's mistress. 
Whilst is was common to set the stone lengthways in order to lengthen the finger, the more modern look often sees the marquise set landscape.

You can find a marquise cut in almost all gemstones. 

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CUSHION

Probably the most popular stone cut after a round is a cushion. With a soft outline and lots of sparkle it is no wonder it is even favoured amongst the royals. 
This is a great option if you love the round but want something a little different.
Cushions also come in an elongated shape, similar to a radiant cut.

Nearly all gemstones can be found in cushion cuts. 

ROSE

Often used in antique pieces, rose cut diamonds were one of the first diamond cuts as they were the easiest way to cut a diamond with old tools. 
The stone is faceted on the top but flat on the bottom, which means these stones look a lot bigger than their carat weight. 
Diamonds are usually the only stones that will be cut in this style. It is very durable due to its low profile. 

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EMERALD

The Emerald cut was designed specifically for the emerald gemstone. Its cut corners and reduced number of facets enhanced the most important feature of the stone, its colour, whilst protecting its brittle structure from chips with cut corners. 

A popular cut, the Emerald cut is now used for a variety of other stones, including diamonds and makes a striking choice.

This cut is only recommended for stones with very small inclusions as it acts as a window into the stone and you will be able to see any slight blemish it may have inside. 

PRINCESS

Princess cut stones are often fairly economical to buy and can be a great choice if you would like a square shaped stone. 

A common cut for all gemstones, but especially diamonds, these stones are full of fire but can be a little in-durable due to their sharp corners.

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ASSCHER

The Asscher cut was invented in 1902 by Joseph Asscher. Based off the popular emerald cut, the Asscher is synonymous with Art Deco glamour and decadence, and has soared back into popularity with the modern, Deco inspired, designs.

This cut has to be one of our favourite stones and is common in Diamonds, but fairly rare to find in other gemstones.

A durable cut because of its cut corners, but looks smaller than its carat weight as it is often cut relatively deep.  

RADIANT

Radiant cuts are a mash up between an emerald and a cushion, and are a fairly new invention, first invented in 1977. 

The radiant is unique as it has brilliant facets on both the crown and the pavilion.

This is a much loved, and durable, cut of stone, but it is mostly reserved for diamonds, and even then can be hard to find. 

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HEART

Heart shape stones are not incredibly popular but can make beautiful, sentimental pieces.

People often think that heart shapes are cut just to be cute, but actually it is the shape of the heart that really lends itself to the way a diamond can grow. Therefore often when you see a heart shape cut it has been chosen in order to retain as much as the original diamond carat weight as possible. 

Heart shapes can also be found in other gemstones, but are less common. 

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