A trilliant cut gemstone is a type of gemstone cut that is triangular in shape, with curved sides and pointed corners. This cut is often used for diamonds and colored gemstones to maximize their brilliance and sparkle. The trilliant cut is designed to showcase the gemstone's beauty and enhance its natural color and clarity. It is a popular choice for creating unique and eye-catching jewelry pieces, adding a modern and sophisticated touch to any design.

Trilliant-Cut GemStones from GemSelect

Trilliants work very well with light-colored gems - such as diamond, aquamarine, beryl and white sapphire - where cutters try to maximize brilliance. Some cutters use trilliants effectively to lighten and brighten the appearance of darker stones such as tanzanite, spessartite garnet, rhodolite garnet and amethyst gems.

Trilliants are rarely used for softer gems, such as apatite, unless the corners are rounded. The tips and culets of trilliants are pointed and thin, making them vulnerable to breakage. Some jewelers bezel-set trilliants, though prongs that protect tips work well and show more of the stone.

Trillions are almost always cut with a 1:1 length to width ratio. But there are some variations in shape, including rounded-corner triangles, straight sides and curved sides. Trillions with straight sides are usually used for side stones in a setting, while stones with slightly curved sides are used for center stones or solitaires.

The trillion cut was introduced by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam and was later trademarked by the Henry Meyer Diamond Company of New York in 1962. Now that the patent has expired, the term "trilliant cut" is used to refer to all triangular shaped gems, even step-cut and cabochon stones.