---
title: "Shape and cutting style: meaning in gemology"
description: "Shape and cutting style is the report line for the outline of the stone and the pattern of its facets. An example is \"Round Brilliant\"."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/shape-and-cutting-style
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Grading report

# Shape and cutting style

Also called shape, cutting style

Shape and cutting style is the report line for the outline of the stone and the pattern of its facets. An example is "Round Brilliant".

## In more detail

Shape is the outline: round, oval, pear and so on. The cutting style is the facet pattern, such as brilliant or step cut, not its quality. The cut grade is a different thing: how well the proportions and finish work.

## On a grading report

In the identity block, after the report number.

## Related terms

- [Round brilliant](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/round-brilliant): A round brilliant is a round diamond with the brilliant facet plan. It has 33 crown and 24 pavilion facets: 57 in all, or 58 with a culet.
- [Fancy shape](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/fancy-shape): A fancy shape is any diamond outline other than round, such as oval, pear, marquise, cushion, princess or emerald.
- [Brilliant cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/brilliant-cut): A brilliant cut is a cutting style with a crown of facets above a pavilion. Its facet angles return light and spread it into fire.
- [Step cut](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/step-cut): A step cut is a cutting style with long facets in parallel rows, like steps, around a large table. The emerald cut and the Asscher are step cuts.
- [Cut grade](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/cut-grade): The cut grade rates how well a diamond's proportions and finish work, from Excellent to Poor. GIA gives it only to standard round brilliants in the D-to-Z color range.

## Learn more

- [The ID section of a diamond report: number, shape and measurements](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/grading-reports/diamond-report-identity-section)
- [Diamond cut grade: Excellent vs Poor, side by side](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/four-cs/diamond-cut-grade-excellent-vs-poor)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)