Step Cut Diamonds
A step cut diamond has sloping, four-sided facets that are cut below the table and run parallel to the diamond's girdle.
There are fewer facets in a step cut diamond than in a brilliant cut diamond. Here's an example -- the baguettes set on each side of the center diamond in this engagement ring are examples of step cut diamonds.
Emerald cuts are step cuts with their corners clipped off. They are usually rectangular, although their proportions can differ significantly, from very narrow rectangles to squares. Emerald cut diamonds tend to have more facets than baguette diamonds.
The Asscher cut is a related, vintage cut that's emerging as a modern favorite. You'll hear more about Asscher cut diamonds on page 3.
Step Cut Caution
One caution, the open appearance of some step cut diamonds can make large inclusions, internal flaws, more obvious in the set stone.
Mixed Diamond Cuts
Mixed cuts include faceting elements from both the brilliant and step cut techniques, either side by side or in different areas of the gemstone. Mixed cuts are frequently used for colored gemstones.
