The Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April.
There are many cuts of diamonds and gemstones. Here's a selection with a description of their shape and origin:
Asscher cut - Also known as the square emerald cut, Asscher cut diamonds are roughly square in shape when viewed from above but have cut corners for more light to enter the diamond. They typically have 50 or 58 facets.
Baguette cut – A gemstone that is cut in a narrow, rectangular shape similar to a loaf of French bread, hence the name. Small diamonds cut in this way are often used as accents in jewellery such as rings and necklaces.
Cushion cut – A multi-faceted cut of stone that looks like a rectangle, or a square with rounded edges.
Diamond cut – A gemstone that is cut like a brilliant cut stone.
Emerald cut – A rectangular or a square shaped cut with chamfered corners and stepped facets that are typically parallel to the girdle. Also known as a table cut or step cut and can be used on gemstones other than emeralds.
European cut – Also known as Old or Mine Cut. A style of diamond cut that was popular from approximately 1890 to the 1930’s. The cut consists of a round girdle, a smaller table in relation to the diameter of the stone and a larger culet. The large culet appears to create a black hole at the bottom of the diamond when looking through the stone from the top. This is caused by light escaping instead of reflecting back up to the viewer.
Heart cut – A diamond or stone cut in the shape of a heart – a ‘Fancy - cut’.
Marquise Cut - also known as a navette. An oval shaped gemstone which tapers to a point at both ends. This cut was named for the Marchioness Madame de Pompadour.
Pear cut – A fancy gem cut that resembles the shape of a tear drop, rounded on one end and pointed at the other.
Solitaire – A single gemstone that is mounted in a simple setting.
Trillion cut – A brilliant-cut gemstone triangular in shape with 44 facets.
