Unlike diamonds, sapphires can be cut to be faceted or unfaceted.

Unfaceted sapphires are called cabochons, a popular form being the sugarloaf carbochon, which has a smooth high-domed table. Six-rayed star sapphires are cut into cabochons, making exquisite jewelry pieces. Star sapphires are very popular for men's rings.

Sapphires are most often facet-cut in an oval shape. You can also find smaller sapphires in round brilliant cuts and a wide variety of fancy shapes, including triangles, squares, emerald cuts, marquises, pear shapes, and baguette shapes.