Of the fancy cuts, emerald is among the most favoured. These step-cut diamonds have fewer facets than the brilliant cut diamonds giving them a more understated elegant look. Their subtle beauty is presented through long lines and larger flashes of light. Historically step cuts were one of the very first cuts, starting out life as the table cut 500 years ago and becoming the shape we know now in the 1920s. Because of their larger facets, emerald cuts have a window-like characteristic which means it is important to pay attention to the quality of the diamond. Lower colour and inclusions are more noticeable, so it is better to choose a diamond with a high colour and clarity.

The oval has a similar brilliance to a round diamond, with 56-58 facets these stones have generated popularity in recent years because of their elegance. Created in the 1960’s by a man named Lazare Kaplan, their elliptical shape creates an illusion of lengthening the fingers and hand. They reveal a larger surface area than a round diamond with the same carat weight which gives the appearance of a larger stone.

Also known as the pillow and ‘candlelight’ cut, the cushion is a variant of the round brilliant with softened corners and larger facets. They can range in shape from square to rectangular and its cut has evolved over the years where facets have been added to increase brilliance. This diamond has romantic and antique look and can be seen widely in royal jewellery throughout history.

It is believed that the cut owes its name to King Louis XV who wanted a diamond cut into the shape of the Marquise of Pompadour’s smile. Another variation of the round cut, the marquise with 56 facets, has an elongated shape with tapering points at each end. This striking cut emphasises carat weight and flatters the finger.  

This cut is a combination of the oval and marquise cut which resembles a teardrop shape, they have good proportions and refract light well. Usually worn with the point towards the top of the finger the cut creates a lengthening effect. They also allow a range of shapes and styles so the shape can be wider, slimmer or have ideal proportions based on personal choice.

A radiant cut is a more modern cut and is the first rectangular cut to have a brilliant facet pattern on both the crown and the pavilion. With 70 facets they combine the outline of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut which presents a more dazzling look than an emerald cut. They can vary in their degree of rectangularity and square the square radiant cut are a popular choice

The faceting style on a princess cut is similar to the round but they have more triangular and kite shaped facets so similarly to the radiant they combine the brilliance of a round with an overall square appearance. They can have 49-78 facets but the more facets thy have the more brilliance. The princess cut is quite a new cut, but they are becoming increasingly more popular because of their unique facet style and brilliance