Cut gems are gemstones that have been shaped to fit the desired shape or size of a piece of jewelry. The cut process reduces the gemstone’s mass by approximately 50 percent. Gemstones are often set in jewelry as accents and asymmetrical designs can be created. Read on to learn more about cut gems and how they are made. Also, learn about their Value factors and Locations. And remember, the higher the quality, the more expensive it will be!
Shape and cutting style
The shape and cutting style of cut gems has evolved over thousands of years. When gemstones were first discovered, the only cuts available were cabochons, or cut gems without the top. Cutting styles have evolved through the use of technology, allowing cutters to come up with some stunning innovations. Listed below are three types of cuts: traditional, commercial, and cabochon. Let’s look at each one.
Carat, pear, and oval cuts all have different characteristics. Some cuts have many facets, while others have none. A triangular cut may have lots of brilliance but little scintillation. The most common diamond cuts include the brilliant and step cuts. Non-faceted cuts are called cabochon and bead. Most coloured gems are cut in these styles. Rose cuts are unique styles, dating to the 16th century. They have a flat base and triangular facets on the top.
Diamonds are the most common gemstones in the world. Their brilliant cuts can create a “fountain of light” effect. Other cuts, known as “modified”, emphasize the symmetry and polish of a gemstone. Although the shape remains unchanged, the shape and arrangement of the gemstone will change. A modified gem is labeled as such. If it isn’t an exact match to a traditional cut, then it’s a modified cut.
The shape and cutting style of cut gems have an effect on their appearance and value. In general, they have different appearances, but won’t have a significant effect on their value. However, if you’re buying a gemstone to wear, it is essential to know what it looks like and what cuts will compliment it the best. So, learn more about cut gems and how to find the perfect stone for your style.
The difference between shape and cut is quite significant, as each type has its advantages and disadvantages. While a princess cut will always be square, a step cut will be rectangular, octagonal, or a combination of all three. The cut style of a cut gemstone is a crucial factor for determining the quality of the stone, and will help determine whether it is worth purchasing it. However, you must also be aware of the fact that the cut is not the only factor that affects its value.
Named cuts
There are a variety of cuts for cut gemstones. Each cut creates different effects, varying in the brilliance, shine, and internal color of the stone. Some cuts are particularly appealing because they reveal the stone’s inherent beauty and color, while others enhance the stone’s structure and allow light to pass through it more easily. While not all cuts have names, they can all be described by their effect on a stone’s color, luster, or feel.
Barions are a type of step cut that combines the advantages of the brilliant and step cuts. The sides of the cut step up toward the center of the gem, and the pavilion is faceted. They are sometimes used in conjunction with cushion-shaped cut gems to add a faceted effect. The Barion cut was developed by Peter Torraca and is often called the “Ceylon cut,” “Step cut,” or “Baircut,” but it is not the only variation.
Another cut called the “ZigZag” is a unique shape that employs advanced micro grooving techniques and flat faceting to create a stunning look. The ZigZag cut is named after its inventor, John ZigZag, who created a version of the shape by alternating the placement of pavilion grooves. This cut works best on a cushion-shaped gemstone with a square or rectangular shape.
There are several different kinds of facets that can be used in a gemstone cut. Different cuts bring out different characteristics of the stone. Some use a flat, dome-shaped crown, while others work the stone into a rectangular or square shape. Some gem cutters pride themselves on making a unique shape for each gem they cut, and this has led to a huge variety of specialty cuts, some of which have no names at all.
Asscher cut is a mix of princess and emerald cuts. It has an X-shaped table, step-cut facets, and a rounded, pointed top. Asscher cut was invented by the Asscher brothers in 1902. Baguette is another popular shape. The Baguette is long and rectangular and is often used as accent stones. The Baguette cut is also an emerald-cut hybrid.
Value factors
Several factors contribute to the value of colored gems, including the country of origin and mining location. Sapphires from Kashmir, for example, command a higher price than those from other places. Few major grading laboratories have the equipment to determine geographic origin, but a certificate of origin is necessary for a stone’s value validation. In addition, a stone from a renowned mining location can increase in value by up to 15%.
A gem’s shape describes its girdle outline. Different shapes command higher premiums, so personal preferences play a major role in determining the value of a gem. Cushion and oval shapes are the most popular, and emerald and ruby shapes are rarer and less desirable. Cut styles also play an important role in determining price. An oval or cushion cut gem allows the most weight retention, while pear-shaped gems and marquises are less desirable.
A gem’s color is another important factor in determining its value. A gem’s color scale is very different from the scale for diamonds. A 3.00 carat ruby will be worth much more than an equivalent-sized 1.00-ct stone. The saturation of a gem’s color will affect its price, which means the deeper the color, the higher its value. Some gems may be treated to enhance their color, such as by heating, drilling, fracture filling, and diffusion.
Color is not the only factor in gemstone quality. Though carat weight is an important factor, it is not the most important one. Though higher carat weight is associated with rarity, the value of a gem will be affected by its cut, facets, and color. Gemstones with visible inclusions may be too heavy, which works against their value. A skilled gem cutter will cut away this extra weight and leave only the cream of the crop. In addition, gemstones with large sizes and high quality will command a higher price.
The three C’s of a gemstone are color, clarity, and carat weight. Color is a primary factor for gem classification, as certain colors can cause a gem to be categorized as either ruby or sapphire. A good cut takes the other three factors into account, enhancing the gemstone’s best characteristics. An expert stone cutter has an eye for detail and the ability to sculpt a beautiful gem.
Locations for cutting and polishing
Germany’s Idar-Oberstein was once the center of the world’s gem-cutting and polishing industry. The area was home to miners who found agates in the late 14th century, and they used the resulting cut pieces to create sculptures and cabochons. Although the history of the industry predates the written records, the first mechanized mining operations began in the late 1400s, and this created a huge demand for gem-cutters. As a result, stone-carvers migrated to the area.
Several steps are required for the cutting and polishing process. The first step involves cleaning the gemstone and cutting it into manageable sizes. Once the gemstone is cut, it is then polished using a polishing lap primed with Diamond powder. Several stages are necessary to achieve the final product, and exceptional lapidaries master each step with finesse. They aim to produce a polished piece with a symmetrical cut. They also balance the many challenges that are involved during the cutting and polishing process.
The process of cutting and polishing gems begins with rough crystals. When a gem is rough, it has several imperfections. For example, an amethyst mined in Brazil may be slightly distorted. The miners strike the crystals with hammers to remove the distorted pieces. This results in a rough that is clean but with broken edges. Once the rough stone has been polished, it is shaped to produce a finished gemstone.
Colored gemstones are mined from several different countries and regions. Some of the most important locations include India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Thailand is the most important center for colored gems in the world, as most rough stone is brought to the country. Many African gems are cut in Thailand. For more information, see our page on the process of gem cutting. Our website features information on the history of this process.
During the cutting and polishing process, a gem is made into a cabochon. This is a flat, smooth, and somewhat irregularly shaped stone. The gemstone is either single or double-cabochon. Some natural stones are cut this way to maximize their weight. In addition to the double-cabochon, a checkerboard cut is commonly used on translucent stones. A colorless Mexican opal, for example, has a checkerboard top that reveals a play of color effect when illuminated.