![]() Color often appears in greater concentrations in one part of the crystal than in other parts.” The cutter must orient the stone so that the most desirable color is reflected through the table of the stone.įor every gemstone, the lapidary is seeking the best compromise between a beautiful appearance and the retention of size. Unlike a diamond, where color is spread uniformly throughout the crystal, as Benjamin Zucker states in his book A Connoisseur’s Guide to Gems and Jewels, “sapphire rough poses a great intellectual challenge to the cutter. The lapidary is most often seeking to enhance the best qualities, and diminish any perceived imperfections. Gem cutters, known by the professional term lapidary, weigh all of the various considerations about each unique gemstone in order to choose the most advantageous cut and shape. Both of these attributes – cut and shape – work together to perfectly enhance the color, clarity, and shine of the gem.Ī sixteenth century lapidary – a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves stones. ![]() This process also designates a specific shape for the stone. ![]() Gemstone Cuts, Shapes, and CuttingĬutting gemstones is a process by which rough crystal is turned into the polished, transparent, and brilliant gemstones, as we commonly know them to be. However, there is still a significant amount of confusion around how cut and shape are different, yet work together and use the same language.īelow, we will explore those concepts and terms, and provide clarity about these important gemstone attributes. These aspects of a gemstone are also the most apparent when looking at a stone, and are the terms with which most people are incredibly familiar. The personal choice options are abundant within these categories, and this can become the most fun part of the selection process. The cut, shape, and size of a gemstone are all very important characteristics that likely play the most crucial part in the aesthetics of a stone. An illustration of 18th century gemstone cuts.
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