Princess Cut
A square brilliant cut. Nearly as much sparkle as a round, with far less of the rough crystal wasted.
It is square or slightly rectangular from above, with a deep inverted pyramid below and brilliant-style faceting.
Because it retains much more of the original crystal than a round, it costs noticeably less per carat.
Its weakness is the four sharp corners, which are the most vulnerable points on any cut stone.
When you are buying
Insist on a setting that covers the corners. An exposed princess corner is the single most common chip in jewellery repair.
Round Brilliant
The standard round cut with 57 or 58 facets, engineered to return the maximum light. The most common cut there is.
Cushion Cut
A square or rectangular cut with rounded corners, like a pillow. Softer and warmer in character than a princess.
Asscher Cut
A square step cut with deeply cut corners, giving a distinctive concentric hall-of-mirrors effect.
Cut
How a stone is shaped and faceted. The one thing that most affects how it looks, and the one buyers examine least.
Prong Setting
Small metal claws gripping a stone at its edges. Maximum light, minimum protection.