When it comes to jewelry, the shape of the gemstone is just as important as its quality and setting. Whether you're choosing a sparkling diamond for an engagement ring or a vibrant sapphire for a custom necklace, the shape of the stone plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of the piece. At Pendant, we collaborate with top luxury jewelers who specialize in exceptional craft and attention to detail, ensuring that every piece features the perfect stone shape to complement its design.

In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of stone shapes commonly used in jewelry and offer insights into how each one can enhance your jewelry collection.

What is a Stone Shape?

While "cut" and "shape" are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of a gemstone's appearance. The "cut" refers to how the stone has been faceted and shaped, influencing its brilliance, sparkle, and visual appeal. The "shape," on the other hand, refers to the overall form or silhouette of the stone itself. From the classic round to unique heart-shaped stones, the shape dictates the stone’s outline, which is crucial for selecting the right piece for your jewelry.

1. Round Brilliant: The Timeless Classic

The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular stone shape, especially for diamonds. With 58 facets designed to maximize light reflection, the round brilliant cut is known for its exceptional sparkle and brilliance. This shape works well in any type of jewelry, from engagement rings to earrings, and is often chosen for its classic and elegant appeal.

Due to its universal popularity, the round brilliant shape tends to be a go-to choice for fine jewelry. It is especially well-suited for solitaire designs or traditional settings, allowing the stone to be the focal point.

Best For: Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, and classic jewelry designs.

2. Princess Cut: Modern Elegance with a Geometric Edge

The princess cut is another popular choice for diamonds and gemstones, offering a square or rectangular shape with sharp, clean lines. The princess cut features a brilliant facet pattern that allows the stone to shine with incredible sparkle, making it a favorite for those seeking a modern twist on classic shapes.

This cut is often chosen for engagement rings, where the sleek and geometric design complements both contemporary and vintage-inspired settings. The princess cut can also be used for accent stones, adding an element of symmetry and balance to multi-stone designs.

Best For: Engagement rings, contemporary jewelry, and geometric designs.

3. Oval Cut: Elongated Elegance

The oval cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with an elongated shape, creating a unique appearance that is both sophisticated and flattering. The shape of the oval cut is known to enhance the perceived size of the stone, making it a popular choice for larger center stones in engagement rings or statement necklaces.

This cut also creates the illusion of longer fingers when used in rings, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a flattering and elegant design. The oval cut’s versatility allows it to complement a variety of settings, from solitaire to halo designs.

Best For: Engagement rings, statement rings, necklaces, and those seeking a flattering, elongated design.

4. Cushion Cut: Vintage Charm with a Modern Twist

The cushion cut is a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners and larger facets, giving it a soft, pillow-like appearance. Often referred to as a “pillow cut,” this shape offers a vintage charm while still exuding modern appeal, making it a popular choice for antique-inspired or romantic designs.

Cushion cut stones are known for their sparkle and depth, which enhances the stone’s color, making them a great choice for colored gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies. The cushion cut is also versatile in various settings, from halo to vintage-inspired styles.

Best For: Engagement rings, vintage-inspired jewelry, and gemstone rings.

5. Emerald Cut: Timeless Sophistication

The emerald cut is a rectangular shape with trimmed corners and a series of parallel facets that create a “step” pattern. Unlike the round or brilliant cuts, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity over brilliance, showcasing the stone’s internal characteristics, such as inclusions or color. This cut is known for its clean lines and timeless sophistication, making it a popular choice for those seeking understated elegance.

Emerald cuts are particularly favored for diamonds and colored gemstones, including emeralds and sapphires, due to their ability to showcase the depth and clarity of the stone. This shape is ideal for those who appreciate refined, classic designs with a touch of modern sophistication.

Best For: Statement rings, necklaces, and those who prefer understated, elegant designs.

6. Marquise Cut: Dramatic and Elegant

The marquise cut is an elongated shape with pointed ends, often referred to as a “navette” or “boat” shape. The marquise cut maximizes the size of the stone while offering an elegant, dramatic appearance that is sure to stand out. This shape is especially popular for vintage and heirloom jewelry, often featured in rings, earrings, and necklaces.

The marquise cut is also known for creating the illusion of a larger stone, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bold statement piece. It is often used in elongated designs, such as rings or pendants, to create a striking focal point.

Best For: Vintage-inspired designs, statement rings, and those seeking a bold, eye-catching piece.

7. Pear Cut: A Teardrop of Beauty

The pear cut, also known as the teardrop shape, combines the round and marquise cuts to create a uniquely elegant design. Its tapered point and rounded end create a graceful, teardrop-like silhouette that is both feminine and sophisticated. The pear cut is often used for engagement rings, pendants, and earrings, where it can create an eye-catching focal point.

This shape is versatile and can be paired with a variety of settings, including halos or solitaire designs. The pear cut also creates the illusion of longer fingers when used in rings, making it a flattering option for those who want a delicate, elongated look.

Best For: Engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and statement pieces.

8. Radiant Cut: Bold Sparkle with Modern Appeal

The radiant cut combines the brilliance of the round cut with the shape of the emerald cut, creating a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners and a stunning sparkle. The radiant cut is perfect for those who want a modern, bold design with plenty of fire and brilliance. This cut is often favored for diamonds and can be found in a variety of jewelry pieces, including engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings.

The radiant cut’s mix of sparkle and geometric lines makes it a unique choice for modern, contemporary jewelry, offering a sophisticated look that stands out without being overly flashy.

Best For: Engagement rings, statement pieces, and modern jewelry designs.

9. Asscher Cut: Vintage Glamour with a Modern Twist

The Asscher cut is similar to the emerald cut but with square proportions and larger step facets. Known for its deep, dramatic sparkle, the Asscher cut was popularized during the Art Deco era and has seen a resurgence in recent years. The shape’s distinct facets create a mesmerizing visual effect, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate vintage glamour with a contemporary twist.

The Asscher cut is ideal for diamonds and colored gemstones and is often seen in engagement rings or vintage-inspired jewelry.

Best For: Engagement rings, vintage-inspired jewelry, and those seeking a striking, glamorous look.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Stone Shape for Your Jewelry

Choosing the right stone shape for your jewelry is an important step in creating a piece that complements your style, personality, and occasion. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a round brilliant cut or the vintage charm of a cushion or Asscher cut, each shape has its own unique beauty and appeal.

At Pendant, we showcase a carefully curated collection of jewelry from top luxury jewelers, offering exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Explore our selection of gemstone jewelry and discover the perfect stone shape to elevate your collection.