Which Is the Best Cut for Sapphire?

Sapphire, the stunning birthstone of September, is a precious gem that belongs to the corundum family of minerals. It is known for its striking colors, with blue and pink being some of its most sought-after hues.

This gem has had an incredible journey, from being a favorite of the royal families to playing a pivotal part in ancient legends. So much is the reverence for this sparkling gemstone that it remains a top-notch choice for jewelry designs even today.

And if you are curious to know which cut best suits the sapphire, then you are definitely on the right page.

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So, which is the finest option for a sapphire?

The process of cutting a sapphire involves transforming the rough stone into a polished gem that’s fit for use in fine jewelry. The cut and shape help enhance the clarity, color, and sparkle of the gemstone. Below we have listed some of the most common cuts and shapes that are available for a sapphire…

1. Cabochon: This doesn’t involve the faceting of the gemstone. Instead, the sapphire is cut in a way that gives it a smooth, glass-like polished surface, and it usually has an oval shape with a rounded dome.
2. Cushion: This is also known as the ‘pillow-cut’ for its cushion-like resemblance, and has been prevalent for centuries. In this cut, the gemstone has a rectangular shape and soft, slightly rounded corners. The crown usually has around 58 to 64 large facets.
3. Round: This is one of the most classic options available and is frequently chosen for helping bring out the maximum sparkle in a gem. Thanks to the presence of approximately 58 facets, it ends up reflecting an enormous amount of light.
4. Emerald: An emerald-cut sapphire is rectangular with a step-cut seen on its edges. This is done to produce an alluring illusion of flashes of light that contrast with the dark planes within each step. Due to its larger, wider top surface (table), this cut highlights the clarity of the sapphire very well.
5. Oval: An oval cut sapphire has an appearance that is similar to a round sapphire. However, the slightly elongated shape can make it appear larger than another stone of the same weight.
6. Heart: This is the universal symbol of love, and the distinct look of a heart-shaped sapphire makes it a spectacular choice for occasions like engagements, weddings, and anniversaries.
7. Pear: The pear-cut, pear-shaped, or teardrop-cut is a timeless and elegant choice. Like the round cut, it is high on sparkle and brilliance and therefore helps camouflage blemishes fairly well. This cut is characterized by a round/oval shape on one end, while the other looks like a marquise with a sharp, pointed end.

Final Verdict

In terms of popularity, the round, oval, and cushion are winners by all means. However, the ‘best cut’ remains a subjective matter. At the end of the day, the choice entirely depends on what kind of look you prefer. But irrespective of what shape or cut you choose, know that the sapphire is a gem that you just can’t go wrong with, and your jewelry will certainly stand out!