A gemstone may be born in the Earth — but it only comes to life through the cut.
You can have rare color, high clarity, and impressive size…
but if the cut is poor, the gem will stay silent.
Cut is what gives a gemstone its voice.
What Is Gemstone Cut?
Cutting is the art and science of shaping a raw crystal into a gemstone that captures and reflects light.
It affects:
- How the light enters and exits the stone
- How the color appears from different angles
- How the gem feels in the hand and looks in the setting
A well-cut gem sparkles, glows, or flashes — even in soft light.
A poorly cut gem can look heavy, flat, or lifeless — no matter how valuable the material.
Common Gemstone Cut Styles
Unlike diamonds, colored gemstones are cut with more flexibility and artistry — because each gem behaves differently in light.
Here are the most common cuts and what they’re used for:
Brilliant Cut
- Lots of triangular facets for maximum sparkle
- Common in round, oval, cushion or pear-shaped stones
- Ideal for gems with strong color and good clarity
Step Cut (Emerald, Asscher)
- Long, rectangular facets like mirrored stairs
- Shows off transparency and clarity
- Elegant, minimalistic, ideal for clean stones like aquamarine or top-quality emeralds
Mixed Cut
- Combination of step-cut pavilion + brilliant-cut crown
- Balanced brilliance and structure — used in many sapphires and rubies
Cabochon Cut
- Smooth, rounded surface without facets
- Used for opaque or included gems like moonstone, opal, or soft spinel
- Gives a dreamy, glowing effect
Fancy Cuts
- Hearts, kites, trillions, marquises...
- Often chosen for bold design or symbolism
- Can highlight uniqueness, but need great symmetry
At Sosna Gems, we work with cutters who don’t just polish — they understand what the gem wants to become.
How Cut Influences Color
Cut isn’t just about sparkle — it also controls how we see the gem’s color.
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A deep cut can intensify color — but might also make the stone too dark
- A shallow cut makes the gem look brighter — but may reduce richness or cause “windowing” (a see-through area in the center)
Well-cut colored stones strike a balance:
💡 Rich, saturated color + good light return + even surface color
Great color with bad cut = disappointing stone.
Moderate color with great cut = surprisingly beautiful.
Why Gemstone Cuts Aren’t Graded Like Diamonds
Diamonds have precise cut grades (Excellent, Very Good...) based on angles and symmetry.
Colored gems? They’re a different world.
Why?
- Each gemstone has a different refractive index
- Some stones are brittle or soft, and must be cut more cautiously
- Color is the main priority — and cutters adapt to enhance it
Instead of rigid rules, cutters rely on:
- Experience
- Eye
- Light tests
- Deep respect for the crystal’s shape
There is no “one perfect cut” for all gems — only the right cut for this stone.
What to Look For as a Customer
You don’t need lab tools to know if a gemstone is well-cut. Ask yourself:
- Does it catch light easily?
- Is the color even across the surface?
- Are the edges symmetrical and neat?
- Is the face clean, with no large scratches or flat spots?
If it feels alive, if it holds your gaze — that’s the right cut.
How Sosna Gems Approaches Cutting
We only accept gemstones with:
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Balanced proportions that enhance beauty
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No distracting windowing or dark “extinction” areas
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Honest brilliance, not artificial tricks
- Individual character — no two stones must look the same
Each piece is photographed in real light, without filter correction.
Because how a gem looks in our photos — is how it will look in your hands.
Final Thought
The cut is not decoration. It’s transformation.
A good cut can turn a promising crystal into a captivating story.
At Sosna Gems, we don’t just sell gems.
We help you find the ones that were meant to shine.
Browse Our Gems by Cut & Shape
Explore radiant rounds, elegant emeralds and bold cabochons — and find the cut that fits your style.
Discover gems by cut →
