Shape decides character. Cut quality decides life.
Only the round brilliant is graded for cut on a standard scale. Every other shape is judged on proportion, symmetry and how evenly it carries light across the table, which is why two ovals of identical weight and grade can look like different stones.
Shapes that spread wider for their weight, such as oval, pear and marquise, read larger on the hand. Step-cut shapes such as emerald and asscher give broad flashes rather than fine sparkle, and show inclusions more readily.
