Its character
A mixed cut that keeps the six-sided outline close to the rough rather than rounding it away, faceted as a brilliant rather than in steps. Newer to the trade and less standardised than the classic shapes, so proportions vary more from one cutter to the next — worth seeing individually before a setting is chosen.
Where the hexagon cut comes from
Six-sided diamonds were cut in earlier periods, often as step cuts for Art Deco jewellery. The brilliant-faceted hexagon is a much more recent style, becoming popular in the last decade alongside other geometric and contemporary shapes.
Because it is newer, cutters have not settled on a shared standard, and hexagons from different sources can look quite different.
How a hexagon is faceted
A hexagon has six straight sides, often slightly elongated, with brilliant-style faceting. Facet counts vary by cutter. Some use step facets instead, which gives a more vintage look.
The straight edges and six corners make the outline strongly geometric. Any irregularity in side length or angle is easier to see than on a curved shape.
Hexagon cut proportions
Ranges most well-cut hexagon stones fall within. They narrow the field; they do not replace seeing the stone.
| Measure | Typical range | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Table | Varies by cutter | No accepted range yet. |
| Depth | Varies by cutter | Compare measurements to carat weight. |
| Length to width | 1.05 – 1.20 | Closer to 1.00 looks more regular. |
| Girdle | Thin to medium | Check all six corners. |
| Culet | None | |
| Cut grade | Not graded | Neither GIA nor IGI assigns an overall cut grade to this shape, so these are trade ranges rather than a standard. |
What to look for in a hexagon diamond
With no single accepted standard, the measurements and length-to-width ratio tell you more than the shape name does — hexagons range from near-regular to long and narrow. Look for straight, parallel sides and even angles between them; small irregularities show more readily on a six-sided outline than on a curved one. It suits geometric and contemporary settings, and a bezel keeps the edges crisp.
- Outline
- Opposite sides should be parallel and equal in length, with even angles at the corners. A video from directly above is the best check.
- Faceting style
- Confirm whether the stone is brilliant or step faceted, since the two look very different.
- Measurements
- With no standard proportions, the millimetre measurements and ratio tell you more than the shape name. Compare them across stones.
- Corners
- Six corners mean six places to check for chips or thin girdle.
Setting a hexagon
Bezels keep the six edges crisp and protected, and six-prong settings with a prong at each corner are also common. Hexagons suit geometric, minimalist and stacking designs.
Hexagon size by carat weight
Approximate face-up size at a typical hexagon ratio and depth, drawn to scale. Select a weight to see natural stock in that band.
5 mm. Every silhouette is drawn to this scale, at typical proportions.
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 0.25–0.49 ct, about 4.1 × 3.6 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 0.50–0.74 ct, about 5.1 × 4.6 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 0.75–0.99 ct, about 5.9 × 5.2 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 1.00–1.49 ct, about 6.5 × 5.8 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 1.50–1.99 ct, about 7.4 × 6.6 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 2.00–2.99 ct, about 8.1 × 7.3 mm face up
- Natural hexagon diamonds, 3.00 ct and above, about 9.3 × 8.3 mm face up
Diamond carat guide: every shape, price milestones and choosing a weight
Terms used on this page
Each one is defined in full, with what a report prints for it, in the glossary.
- Brilliant cut
- A faceting style built from triangular and kite-shaped facets radiating from the centre.
- Step cut
- A faceting style of long parallel facets running around the stone like steps.
- Measurements
- The stone's physical size in millimetres: length × width × depth.
- Length-to-width ratio
- The outline's proportions — length divided by width — which decides how a fancy shape reads.
- Symmetry
- How precisely the facets line up with one another and with the outline.
- Polish
- How smoothly each facet surface has been finished.
Hexagon cut questions
What buyers ask most often before choosing a hexagon diamond.
Is a hexagon cut diamond a good choice for an engagement ring?
Yes, if you like a modern, geometric look. Because proportions are not standardised, it is best to compare several stones and check the outline on video.
What setting works best for a hexagon diamond?
A bezel protects all six corners and emphasises the outline. A six-prong setting with a prong at each corner is a lighter-looking alternative.
Are hexagon diamonds graded for cut?
No. Like other fancy shapes, they receive polish and symmetry grades but no overall cut grade, so the outline and light performance have to be judged by eye.