What is a shield cut gemstone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A shield cut is a five-sided gemstone shape that is wide across the top and tapers toward a pointed base, vaguely resembling a heraldic shield. It is an unusual, architectural cut that suits bold solitaire pendants and rings, and it can be applied to diamonds as well as coloured stones like sapphire and tourmaline. Because the large flat facets show the colour and clarity of a stone very clearly, shield cuts are often chosen for gems with strong, vivid colour.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a shield cut gemstone look like?
- It is a five-sided shape, wider at the top with two sloping shoulders and a pointed lower tip, a little like the outline of a classic coat-of-arms shield. The facets tend to be large and open, which gives the stone a clean, geometric look.
- Is a shield cut the same as a kite cut?
- They are similar but different. A kite cut is four-sided and symmetrical from top to bottom, while a shield cut is five-sided and broader at the top. Both are unusual fancy shapes, and jewellers sometimes use the terms loosely.
- What settings suit a shield cut stone?
- Bezel and half-bezel settings work particularly well because they follow the angular outline of the stone. Claw settings with pointed corners are also used, though the unusual shape means settings are often custom-made.
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