Which is the best cut for sapphire?

The sapphire is one of the most alluring gemstones on the planet. While it’s most commonly, and romantically, associated with a deep blue hue, sapphires actually come in every colour expect for red (a red sapphire is called a ruby).

So for those that are looking for a sapphire ring, which cuts and shapes of sapphire should you be looking out for? Which will show the sapphire in the best light, or make the most of its assets?

The first thing to note is that sapphires differ from diamonds in how they react with light, so the rules for choosing a diamond shape don’t always align with the rules for choosing a sapphire shape. Because a sapphire isn’t perfectly transparent, as a white diamond is, the depth of the cut will change with the darkness of the hue. If the sapphire is light, the best shape will have plenty of depth, to give the stone more dimension. For darker hues, the cut will be shallower, to allow more light within the gemstone.

As with diamonds, the most popular cut for sapphire engagement rings is round brilliant. The perfect symmetry and stunning brilliance of this cut is perfect for a sapphire, and the depth of the cut can be altered to suit the deepness of the stone’s colour.

Other popular sapphire cuts are, in no particular order; cushion cut, emerald cut, princess cut, oval cut and radiant cut.

Whichever style your sapphire is cut in, it should produce bright flashes of colour no matter which direction it’s tilted in, with minimal (or zero) dull viewing angles.