The Difference Between Diamond Cut and Shape

Alongside clarity, colour, and carat weight, cut is one of the four Cs used to evaluate the quality of a diamond, and it is often regarded as the most important because it relies entirely on human craftsmanship. A diamond’s cut determines its proportions, symmetry, and ability to reflect light, which influences its brilliance, sparkle, and overall beauty.

It’s worth distinguishing a diamond’s cut from its shape. The cut refers to the exact proportions, angles, and finishing details that maximise a diamond’s brilliance, and is graded from Fair to Excellent. The shape, on the other hand, describes a diamond’s silhouette when viewed from above, such as round brilliant, pear, oval, cushion, or heart. Together, cut and shape are what give a diamond its character and charm, and both are crucial considerations when choosing a piece of jewellery meant to be cherished for a lifetime.

“The diamond cutter holds the greatest responsibility in the entire value-creation process. It is their decision whether to choose the shape that will yield the most valuable stone, or to cut away a portion containing a crack or inclusion to produce a smaller, yet purer, diamond.”

— Tobias Lanz, Global Associate Director, Sourcing & Category Management at Bucherer Fine Jewellery

The Cut, Where Nature Meets Craftsmanship and Precision

A top-quality diamond cut is where nature’s raw gift converges with human artistry. Guided by precision and patience, the cutter unlocks the stone’s brilliance and optimises its interplay with light to produce maximum sparkle and vibrancy. Over the centuries, diamond cutting has evolved from simple techniques to a combination of artisanal skill and cutting-edge technologies.It all begins with a thorough study of the rough stone to examine the natural grains of the rough diamond. Today, 3D modelling and precise calculations allow the cutter to develop a blueprint that balances beauty, brilliance, and value while minimising material loss. Depending on its size and structure, the rough diamond may be cleaved or sawn into smaller stones, each eventually becoming its own gem.

In the bruting stage, the diamond is shaped into its basic outline (such as round, cushion, oval, pear, and beyond) as one diamond is ground against another. Next, the stone is meticulously cut into dozens of facets, each designed to reflect light from every angle. Finally, the diamond is polished until its surface radiates with fire and brilliance. At every stage, precision is paramount. Any small errors can diminish the gem’s beauty and value. At Bucherer, only expertly cut diamonds that meet our most rigorous standards make it into our collections. Larger stones come with a Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certification to further ensure their quality.

Choosing a Diamond Shape

If cut uncovers a diamond’s mesmerizing sparkle, the shape defines its personality and style in a jewellery piece. In recent years, the round brilliant cut has been very popular. However, tastes vary: Some gravitate toward organic shapes, such as cushion, oval, or pear, while others prefer geometric, structured silhouettes like emerald or Royal Asscher.

Diamond shapes can also carry visual magic. Elongated cuts, such as emerald or pear, can make fingers appear longer and slender, while certain shapes lend drama to earrings or pendants. At Bucherer Fine Jewellery, our collections feature all the most sought-after diamond shapes, each one masterfully cut to the highest standards to unveil its idiosyncratic beauty and light.