I prefer them going up like clouds rising into the sky

Up (2nd and 3rd photo) feels more optimistic and happy to me. It's a subtle message in design choice.

Tiffany lamps pointed them downward on table lamps and up on ceiling lights. If you'd like to mirror the shape in any fixture I suggest you find it first and let that decide for you.

Photo #1: Raindrops (preferred)

Photo #2:

I think I slightly prefer round side up, but really, you can't go wrong here.

#1: Fish scales

#2: Stylized hills

Rounded sides up, not down.

Just staring at the photos, the ones going up are easier on my eyes so feel natural. For some reason the downward version makes my eyes hurt, lol.

My preference is the one that looks like clouds!

I prefer the one that looks like rising air balloons, not like raindrops falling. I agree that the downward dropping ones kind of make my eyes hurt.

Rounded side pointing up.

The rounded parts up feel easier on the eye / not has severe. And - as someone said -more optimistic!

Well IMO they do not work with the counter regardless of orientation what is driving that choice for color?

I prefer using the most talented tile installer for sheet mosaics so I can't count the sheets after install.

That cuts out most installers & all DIYers.

" they do not work with the counter regardless of orientation "

What makes you assume she's going to keep that countertop? Another example of piling on negatives without ever actually answering the question that was asked.

that nice taj mahal quartzite would normally steal the show.

im not sure these are real tiles. look at the last picture and what looks like vinyl stickers lying on the counter, unless that is some sort of photocopy of the tiles.

Another vote for rounded side up

Another vote for rounded side up

Rounded side up. Very pretty tile, but I agree with the comment above that it does not go with the counter in the photos regardless. The OP needs to say if that counter is her kitchen counter which she will be keeping, or not.

Rounded up - feels happier!