The Asscher Diamond is a step cut emerald with notched corners. The Asscher cut is deeper that typical emerald cuts to show-off the beautiful steps seen through the table. Ideal cut Asschers are square to within .10mm.

Emerald cuts are faceted with long step cuts, typically rectangular in shape. Preferred length to width ratio range is 1.50-1.75:1. This cut is best for high clarity stones as inclusions under the large table can sometimes be seen with the naked eye.

A Radiant is a square or rectangular cut brilliant and step cut facets. The Radiant is often confused with the Cushion with the biggest difference being the overall profile. The Radiant's sides are straight while the Cushion's sides are slightly rounded. This cut are seen both square and rectangular.

A trillion (triangle, trilliant) is a triangular shaped diamond. The diamond can be cut with either all step cuts or a mixed cut that includes brilliant facets as well. This cut is used mostly as side accent stones, although large ones make a beautiful impact as well. Preferred length to width ratio range is 1.75-2.25:1

The Round brilliant is the most widely recognized and traditional diamond cut. Ideal rounds are measured across the table, side to side, in four places. The lowest and highest measurement should be within.10mm. Since rounds outsell all other cuts, the price per carat is higher. The better the color and clarity, the higher the price difference from other cuts. If you are on a budget but wanting to get the biggest, best quality diamond possible, compare to fancy cuts. Ovals are a nice compromise.

The pear shape is shaped like a tear drop with brilliant cut facets. The bow tie effect seen in this cut along with the oval, marquise or heart is caused by pavilion angle variations. A slight bow tie is expected and does not detract from the beauty of the stone. However, very visible bow ties are caused from the stone being poorly cut with very shallow or very deep to either increase face-up size or add carat weight. Preferred length to width ratio range is 1.50-1.75:1

The Marquise is a very regal, brilliant cut diamond. The points are very delicate and fragile so these should always be set in a special setting, protecting both points. Preferred length to width ratio range is 1.33-1.66:1

The oval shape is a good choice when looking for a diamond that usually, by eye, looks larger than it actually is. This is of course only when the oval is cut to the preferred length to width ratio range of 1.50-1.75:1. What out for the bow tie; too prominent and you know the cut is not ideal. A slight bow tie in the center is anticipated.

The Heart shaped diamond is truly the most romantic. It's symbolic for a man to give a woman a heart shaped diamond signifying she has his heart. The Heart is cut using brilliant facets with the upper round parts on each side referred to as the lobes. Here symmetry is very important. Check to be sure both lobes are symmetrical and the point is even with the cleft (indent between lobes). Although the cleft is typically thick, the point is very delicate and just like the Marquise and the point on the Pear; this should be properly set protecting this very fragile part. Ideally the Heart would have a length to width ratio range of 1.00:1 however, many like the look of the taller skinnier, or a short fat heart. Again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Who would have ever predicted the popularity of the regal cut Princess diamond? Every woman wants to think she's a princess… good marketing. The Princess cut has all the brilliant facets of the round brilliant cut, but it's square. Ideally, the edge to edge measurements on a Princess should be within .10mm, lowest to highest. However, some do prefer the more rectangular look. Square Princess cuts demand higher prices.

The Cushion cut is very similar to the Radiant cut except the corners are rounded not angled across and the outsides are slightly rounded giving it a rounded square or rectangular look. Length to width ratio ranges for both the Cushion and the Radiant is determined by the beauty of the stone. There is no ideal.