Precious and semi-precious gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, opals, tanzanite, and rubies are not naturally suited for setting in jewelry right from the start. These stones require professional faceting and shaping to be cut into jewelry items. Gemstone cutting refers to the unique facets of a particular gem. Through meticulously designed cuts, gemstones will display their most brilliant and vibrant colors. The cut is one factor to consider when choosing gemstone jewelry. Learn more about cutting and how it brings out the best in gemstones.
What's the Difference Between Cut and Shape?
Gemstone cut and gemstone shape are often confused, though these terms can be used interchangeably. The cut of a gemstone refers to the way the raw crystal is rotated, faceted, and polished. For gemstone jewelry, a gem cutter can maximize the color of the stone, enhance its brightness, and, apart from gem enhancement, help to hide inclusions. Gemstone cutting is more varied than diamond cutting, potentially involving multiple cut combinations to create captivating gems. On the other hand, the shape of a gemstone refers to its outline when viewed from above.
About Gemstone Cutting
Gemstone cutting is the arrangement of facets on a given gem. Rough gemstones are cut by experts to bring out their best qualities. Well-cut gemstones are symmetrical, well-polished, with even surface light reflection, and smoothly polished without chips or scratches. Poorly cut gems can look dull, and bad cutting can diminish the overall value of the gem. Like diamonds, quality colored gemstones typically have a table, crown, girdle, pavilion, and culet.
Types of Gemstone Cuts
There are various types of gemstone cuts suitable for all types and colors of gems. Different cuts are appropriate for different gem types. For example, high facet cuts are ideal for lighter colored gems like amethyst or blue topaz. Gems with unique color characteristics, like rainbow opals, are best with a round cabochon cut.
The brilliant cut is best for achieving the most dazzling and intense sparkle, though this cut is often more expensive than others. The step cut is popular for its subtle shimmer but tends to have a smaller face-up size. The coveted princess cut can make a gemstone appear larger, but you must be cautious of its sharp corners, which can easily snag. We offer various earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings where the gemstones are professionally cut to highlight their best features.
What to Look for When Buying Gemstones
While color might be what initially draws you to certain gemstones, the cut is key to showcasing that unique hue. When shopping, keep these three main qualities in mind to assess the value of a gemstone, especially its cut:
Symmetry
An asymmetrical crown indicates poor gemstone quality because light won't be reflected evenly across the surface.
Cut and Shape
For more saturated colored gems, the best cut might be shallower than average to allow more light to penetrate the stone, whereas for less saturated colors, a deeper cut might enhance the color.
Color Zoning
It's common for natural gemstones to have uneven color distribution. Professional cutters will consider these non-uniform color areas and cut the gem to distribute the color evenly for an eye-catching appearance.