Shape is the gem's outline; cutting style describes how it is faceted or curved. Review both with color, transparency, light return, phenomena, depth, dimensions, exposed geometry, and setting fit, because colored gems do not share one universal cut scale.

A colored-gem guide that separates outline shape from faceting or cabochon style and reviews symmetry, polish, windowing, extinction, color distribution, phenomena, depth, and setting fit without imposing one universal cut grade.

What this guide covers

Name the outline and cutting style separately.
Review face-up color, symmetry, polish, windowing, extinction, and any phenomenon.
Check depth, dimensions, exposed edges, setting fit, durability, and complete-piece care.

Read outline and surface style separately

Outline shape

Round, oval, pear, cushion, rectangular, shield, freeform, and other names describe the perimeter rather than the facet arrangement.

Faceting style

Brilliant, step, mixed, rose, and other patterns use facets differently to present light, color, inclusions, and shape.

Cabochon style

A curved polished surface can suit translucent or opaque material and can reveal stars, cat's-eyes, or other phenomena when correctly oriented.

Execution and fit

Review outline symmetry, facet meet, polish, face-up liveliness, depth, dimensions, girdle, back finish, setting, and exposed geometry.

Compare two colored-gem cuts

1 — Normalize material and view
Confirm the gem and treatment, then compare both stones face-up at ordinary distance in the same lighting and background.
2 — Record visual tradeoffs
Describe color distribution, transparency, windowing, extinction, reflections, phenomena, symmetry, and polish without an overall score.
3 — Inspect hidden constraints
Check side profile, pavilion or back, depth, dimensions, inclusions, exposed edges, setting compatibility, and care needs.

A cut name is not a quality or durability grade

Scope boundary · evidence version 2026-07-19
This page cannot grade, value, or recommend a particular colored-gem cut. A face-up photo does not reveal every pavilion, inclusion, treatment, weight-distribution, setting, or durability question, and one style is not universally superior for every material.

Gem cut and shape questions

Is an emerald cut always an emerald?

No. Emerald can name a gem material, while emerald cut describes an outline and step-cut style used with multiple materials.

Are cabochons lower quality than faceted gems?

No universal ranking applies. Cabochons can suit material, inclusions, opacity, design, and phenomena that faceting would not present the same way.

Does every colored gem receive a cut grade?

No. Read the actual report scope and use stone-specific visual and dimensional review.

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