Stone Shapes
Gemstones come in a variety of shapes. The most popular gemstone shapes are round, pear and square. The same shape can be fashioned into a multitude of cuts and each cut has its own unique attributes.
Baguette/Tapered
Baguette shapes were created in the 1920s when the clean, modernist lines of Art Deco prevailed. The Baguette's the long, rectangular shape remains popular in modern jewellery designs. Baguette shapes are crafted in a “step cut,” whereby 14 facets are cut in graduated steps along the edges to maximise clarity, and the unique shape allows stones to be set side by side without gaps. The name is thought to originate from the Italian “bacchetta,” meaning little stick; or from the French word baguette in reference to the oblong-shaped loaf of bread. The baguette cut can have a straight (rectangular) or tapered shape (tapered baguette).
Baguette/Tapered
Baguette shapes were created in the 1920s when the clean, modernist lines of Art Deco prevailed. The Baguette's the long, rectangular shape remains popular in modern jewellery designs. Baguette shapes are crafted in a “step cut,” whereby 14 facets are cut in graduated steps along the edges to maximise clarity, and the unique shape allows stones to be set side by side without gaps. The name is thought to originate from the Italian “bacchetta,” meaning little stick; or from the French word baguette in reference to the oblong-shaped loaf of bread. The baguette cut can have a straight (rectangular) or tapered shape (tapered baguette).
Heart
In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots sent a ring set with a heart-shaped stone to Queen Elizabeth I as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. The heart shape is a timeless addition to jewellery and is an enduring symbol of love, romance and unbreakable bonds.
Cushion
The cushion cut combines a square cut with rounded corners. The name refers to its similarity to a plush, petite pillow.
Marquise
The Marquise is an unusual yet elegant shape that was originally created for King Louis XV in the mid 1700s to evoke the shape of his mistress’ lips. The marquise shape is characterised by its slender silhouette that elongates the finger when used on rings.
Octagon
An octagon shape is similar to a cushion cut, but its four corners are cropped in a straight line instead of rounded. The stone is crafted with rows of wide, flat, concentric facets that resemble steps along the gemstone’s circumference. The shape is noted for its modern look without sacrificing the brilliance and fire of a round stone.
Square
This geometric shape was created in the 1960s as an alternative to the round brilliant cut. The square is characterised by its pointed corners, inverted pyramid shape and four bevelled sides. The sophisticated shape offers maximum brilliance, and is an enduring classic.
Teardrop / Pear
The teardrop shape is a perfectly symmetrical hybrid of an oval and marquise shape. The teardrop tapers to a point in perfect alignment with the peak of its rounded end. Teardrop-shaped stones require a 6-prong setting to support the point. This shape is also known as a pear shape, and its light-reflecting shape dramatically reflects light.
Oval
Oval shaped stones feature 58 facets to create exceptional sparkle and offer timeless beauty and brilliance to bring a twist on the classic round shape. This elliptical shape was invented in 1957 and combines the sparkle of the round brilliant cut with a flattering elongated outline.
Round
The round shape was created in the early 1900s and brings intense sparkle to stones. It is one of the most popular shapes because it looks beautiful in every jewellery style, especially solitaire rings and halo-embellished designs.
Trillion
This stone shape was first introduced in the 1960s and is characterised by its sophisticated triangular shape with three slightly curved sides. The uncurved variation is known as Trilliant. Trillion shapes are defined by symmetry and proportion, which are critical to its brilliance and colour.
