brilliant cut

American  

noun

Jewelry.

1. a cut intended to enhance the brilliance of a gem with the least possible sacrifice of weight, characterized by a form resembling two pyramids set base to base, truncated so as to give a broad table and a very small culet, and having from 18 to 104 facets, 58 being typical.

---

Other Word Forms

• brilliant-cut adjective

Etymology

Origin of brilliant cut

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

The PA news agency understands the singer's engagement ring is an old mine brilliant cut, and her jewellery was designed by Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewellery.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2025

Bruno said “every aspect was gleaming like a brilliant cut diamond,” and Carrie Ann said, “A star is born.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2015

Only two players really had a shot at him, but Aguayo missed a diving tackle and another Florida State player spun off Austin when he made a brilliant cut at the 20.

From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2015

Udinese fullback Ali Adnan added to his burgeoning reputation with a brilliant cut back and blasted finish as Iraq, buoyed by goalkeeper Noor Sabri coming out of retirement, proved too strong for Taiwan.

From Reuters • Sep. 3, 2015

Like the rose cut, the cabochon cut does not give much brilliancy as compared to the brilliant cut.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram