The 3 Main Types of Diamond Cuts: A Complete Guide for Smart Shoppers.

Diamonds are more than beautiful gemstones—they are tiny masterpieces shaped by precision, passion and craftsmanship. Whether you’re planning to buy diamond jewellery online or researching before your next luxury purchase, understanding the types of diamond cuts is one of the most important steps in choosing a piece that truly shines.In this in-depth guide, we explore the three main types of diamond cuts, how they influence brilliance, and why they matter when selecting jewellery from a trusted online jewellery store. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pick a diamond that matches your style, personality and sparkle goals.

Why the Diamond Cut Matters Most

Among the famous “4 Cs” of a diamond—cut, clarity, colour and carat—cut is the only factor controlled solely by craftsmanship. It determines how the diamond interacts with light, influencing three critical optical qualities:

• Brightness – how well the diamond reflects white light
• Fire – how light disperses into rainbow-like flashes
• Scintillation – the sparkle produced when the diamond moves

A diamond with an exceptional cut unleashes maximum brilliance, while a poorly cut diamond looks dull, even if it has high clarity or colour. When shopping through a reputable platform like Kisna’s diamond jewellery collection, understanding this helps you make more informed decisions.

The 3 Main Types of Diamond Cuts

Broadly, diamond cuts are classified into three main categories:

1. Brilliant Cut
2. Step Cut
3. Mixed Cut

Each type has a unique structure, visual impact and aesthetic appeal. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Brilliant Cut Diamonds – Maximum Sparkle Seekers

Brilliant cuts are engineered to maximise sparkle. Their facets are arranged in triangular or kite shapes to reflect the greatest amount of light.

The Round Brilliant – The Only Standardized Cut

The round brilliant diamond is the most popular cut in the world—and for good reason. It is the only diamond cut that has strict, standardized proportions and facet patterns, allowing it to receive formal cut grades like Excellent, Very Good or Good.

This means that when the cut is perfect, the diamond delivers unmatched brightness, scintillation and fire.

Why Round Brilliant Cuts Stand Out

• 58 precisely placed facets
• Symmetrical facet arrangement
• Maximum light return
• Perfect for engagement rings, pendants and everyday wear

If you’re browsing diamond pendants or solitaire jewellery, round brilliants are among the most reliable, performance-oriented choices.

Other Brilliant Cuts

Besides the round brilliant, several fancy shapes belong to this category:

• Oval
• Pear
• Marquise
• Heart
• Princess

Although these shapes do not have standardized cutting guidelines like round diamonds, they offer unique fire and personality, allowing buyers to choose based on style preference.

2. Step Cut Diamonds – For Lovers of Clarity & Elegance

Step cuts feature parallel, rectangular facets that look like steps—hence the name. Instead of sparkle, they emphasize:

• Clarity
• Transparency
• Symmetry
• Sophisticated, clean lines

The two most popular step cuts are:

Emerald Cut

Known for its hall-of-mirrors effect, the emerald cut showcases the diamond’s inner world beautifully. Because its facets are broad and open, inclusions are more visible, which makes clarity an important factor for this shape.

Asscher Cut

A square variation of the emerald cut, the Asscher cut offers a vintage geometric appeal with better depth and a unique optical pattern.

Why Choose Step Cuts?

Step cuts provide an understated yet luxurious look—ideal for minimalists or those who prefer sophisticated, architectural jewellery styles. If you’re looking to buy jewellery online that feels timeless and elegant, step-cut diamonds are an excellent choice.

3. Mixed Cuts – The Best of Both Worlds

Mixed cuts combine the brilliance of the brilliant cut with the clean lines of step cuts. They offer a balanced mix of:

• Sparkle
• Durability
• Structure
• Versatility

Examples of Mixed Cuts

• Radiant Cut – square or rectangular, with cropped corners
• Cushion Cut – rounded corners with larger facets for strong fire

Mixed cuts enhance brilliance while maintaining a structured, elegant aesthetic. Their versatility makes them ideal for rings, earrings and even modern minimalist pendants available through trusted online jewellery stores.

Cut vs Shape – A Crucial Difference

Shoppers often confuse cut with shape—but they are not the same.

Cut

Refers to craftsmanship, facet arrangement, symmetry and proportions.

Shape

Refers to the silhouette—round, oval, pear, heart, princess, etc.

Understanding the difference ensures you choose diamonds based on light performance and aesthetics—not just appearance.

What Makes a Diamond Cut “Good”?

Regardless of the type of cut you prefer, several factors influence how a diamond ultimately looks:

1. Proportions

The single biggest determinant of beauty. Proportions affect:

• Light return
• Face-up diameter
• Balance of fire and brilliance

There are virtually limitless proportion combinations—and slight differences can dramatically change a diamond’s character.

2. Symmetry and Polish

Smooth, precise craftsmanship ensures light flows seamlessly within the stone.

3. Facet Alignment

Well-aligned facets enhance sparkle and visual balance.

4. Personal Preference

Some prefer more fire, some more brilliance, some a vintage aesthetic. Choosing from collections at Kisna allows you to filter by style, shape and design to match your taste.

5. Jewellery Design Details

The beauty of a diamond is enhanced by its design features:

• Metal choice (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold)
• Setting type (prong, bezel, halo, channel)
• Overall craftsmanship

When you buy diamond jewellery online, these finer details help you identify pieces that offer durability and elegance.

How to Choose the Best Diamond Cut for You

Your ideal diamond cut depends on:

1. Your Personal Style

• Classic → Round brilliant
• Modern chic → Princess or radiant
• Vintage-inspired → Emerald, cushion or Asscher
• Romantic → Heart or pear

2. Sparkle Preference

• Maximum sparkle → Brilliant cuts
• Clean transparency → Step cuts
• Balanced brilliance → Mixed cuts

3. Jewellery Purpose

For daily wear pendants, earrings or bracelets, explore durable designs like those in Kisna’s 14KT diamond pendant range.

For statement pieces, fancy shapes feel bold and expressive.

FAQs 

1. Which diamond cut sparkles the most?

The round brilliant cut offers the highest sparkle due to its standardized 58-facet structure and superior light performance.

2. Is cut more important than carat?

Yes. A well-cut diamond looks brighter and larger than a poorly cut diamond—even if both have the same carat weight.

3. What is the best cut for a pendant?

Round, oval and cushion cuts are excellent choices thanks to their symmetry and ability to catch light from all directions.

4. Are fancy shapes less brilliant?

Not necessarily. Fancy shapes like pear, oval and marquise offer unique brilliance, but they are not graded by standard cut parameters like round brilliants.

5. Where is the best place to buy diamonds online?

When purchasing from a reputed online jewellery store like Kisna, you get certified quality, secure packaging and trusted craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the three main types of diamond cuts—brilliant, step and mixed—empowers you to choose a diamond that reflects your identity, style and brilliance. Whether you're shopping for a timeless pendant, a meaningful gift or a sparkling everyday accessory, knowing how cuts influence light and beauty ensures you pick a piece that truly shines.

Explore exquisite and thoughtfully crafted designs when you buy diamond jewellery online at Kisna—where craftsmanship, elegance and authenticity come together to create jewellery as radiant as you.