Guide: Gem Cuts and Shapes

Gemstone are nature’s most beautiful creations. These tiny little stones hold impeccable beauty and powers within them. One look at them and you get lost in their sparkle and the magnificent colors – Gem Cuts and Shapes

The beauty of a Gemstone is a direct result of the shape they are cut in. The shape is a defining criterion when it comes to the excellence of a crystal. Therefore, before buying a Gemstone one has to consider various shapes of the particular Gemstone they may be willing to buy.

Gemstone are cut into various beautiful shapes which increases the appeal of these tiny crystals. Here is a list of some of the most demanded and common Gemstone shapes in the market.

 

1. Oval

Oval is the most common shape in the Gemstone world. It has a high demand and therefore, almost all the Gemstone are available in this shape. The oval shape of a Gemstone varies depending on the cutting tool and technique. It may be a perfect oval with smooth edges and polished finishing to a loosely spherical shape. When it comes to retaining the carat weight, the oval-shaped is preferred over other shapes because of its ability to retain the most carat weight in a Gemstone.

The oval shape is usually achieved with a cabochon cut or they may be faceted with a brilliant cut. Oval cut precious stones are popular as an engagement ring. A 56-carat oval-shaped diamond ring is one of the most popular engagement rings over the years. Princess Diana’s engagement ring was an oval sapphire ring, which now belongs to the wife of her son, Kate Middleton – Guide: Gem Cuts and Shapes – Bulk Gemstones

2. Marquise

Marquise is an oval shape with some slight variations. It is a pointed oval shape made with a modified brilliant cut. In this shape, the facets on both the surfaces are matching and this is an important factor of Marquise. This property makes it a very demanding and fragile cut. Making a marquise shape stone requires precision and skills.

The Marquise is often called as ‘Navette’. It is a commonly used synonym for Marquise. One of the unique properties of Marquise shape is that enhances the visible size of stone without altering the carat weight. Therefore, a marquise-shaped diamond looks bigger and more expensive as compared to other shapes.

 

3. Round

Round is the traditional shape of the Gemstone. During earlier times, round were the most popular and probably the only shape in the market. It remains the classic Gemstone shape and has a high demand in the market. Round stones can be made with cabochon.

They are put into grit for several days or weeks until a perfectly smooth and polished finishing is achieved. They are also paired with brilliant or rose cut to get them a perfectly round shape. A round diamond ring remains the most demanded and popular engagement ring. The cut and shape of the round crystal maximize the sparkle and brilliance of Gemstone and makes it even more appealing.

4. Pear

The pear shape is the preferred shape for Gemstone for earrings and necklaces. A pear-shaped Gemstone is usually 56 to 58 faceted. The pear shape is often termed as the teardrop shape because of the resemblance in both shapes. Its key feature is one broad, round end and another pointed end. In a pear shape, the Gemstone shapes appear to be drawing an eye downward. Gem gurus believe that in this shape a Gemstone attracts higher spirituality.

– Guide: Gem Cuts and Shapes – Bulk Gemstones

 

5. Heart

The heart is popular among lovers and couples because of its symbolism with love. It is a highly demanded shape, especially in necklaces and pendants. During Valentines’ week, the heart-shaped Gemstone are the most popular with their sales soaring up to the sky. The heart shape can be seen as the modified version of the pear shape.

A tiny little division at the top of the round surface of the pear shape Gemstone turns it into a heart-shaped crystal. This may sound like an easy process but it is not. This small step requires great detailing and skills. One wrong move your Gemstone is in a completely ruined shape. The heart-shaped Gemstone is paired with brilliant-cut which results in 58 facets to the final Gemstone.

6. Radiant

The radiant shape is a combination of sparkling brilliance of round shape and square lines of emerald. The corners are trimmed and angle creating 68 to 70 facets in a stone. In this shape, a Gemstone carries the property of round shape as well as the square lines of emerald making it a highly desired shape in the world of Gemstone.

7. Trillion

As the name suggests, it is a three-sided shape resembling a triangle. It is often called trillion, or a trilliant. It is paired with the brilliant-cut which results in 31 to 43 facets on the surface of the stone. Trillion is very popular in modern Jewelry design. This shape brings out excellent brilliance in the Gemstone. The Gemstone in this shape may have either rounded or pointed corners and may have straight or curved sides.

– Guide: Gem Cuts and Shapes – Bulk Gemstones

 

8. Briolette

Briolette is a form of pear shape with modifications. It is considered as one of the hardest cut to achieve. The main difference between a pear shape and Briolette is that later is faceted on all the sides. This shape traces its origin in India around the 12^th century and gained popularity during the 17^th and 18^th century. In the modern era of precious stones, this has achieved the level of classic and is usually counted among the vintage shapes of Gemstone.

– Guide: Gem Cuts and Shapes – Bulk Gemstones

 

9. Square

The square shape of a Gemstone includes several variations. It is very common and high in demand. Square cut s often paired with another cut to give out amazing new shapes and styles to the Gemstone.

• Square Princess

You may have heard a lot about princess cut. It is popular among the younger generation and is gifted to a loved one and is a highly demanded engagement ring shape. A princess-cut is a combination of square shape with a brilliant-cut and pointed corners. A princess-cut Gemstone has around 78 facets. In princess cut, the color of the stone is brilliantly sparkled in all the corners as well as the center of the Gemstone. The sharp corners of the Gemstone give it a rich look and hence, it has high value.

• Square Asscher

In an Asscher shape, the top surface of a Gemstone is much smaller as compared to that of an emerald shape. This style gives a Gemstone, a nearly octagonal look resembling the style of the early twentieth century. The Asscher got its name from a famous gem cutter who invented this variation of Emerald shape. The invention of Asscher goes way back to 1902. In this shape, a Gemstone has 58 facets.

2001 saw modification in the Asscher shape. The number of facets increased from 58 to 72 and the corners widened, increasing the brilliance of the Gemstone. This lead to the increasing popularity of the Asscher stones as wedding rings. Many celebrities have been caught on camera showing off their Asscher wedding rings.

10. Rectangle

This is another popular Gemstone shape. Just like the square shape, it is also paired with other cuts to give the Gemstone a beautiful style.

• Rectangle Emerald

The more popular rectangle shape, the emerald, is common among Ring Jewelry. The top surface of the Gemstone is flat and the corners are angled. The edges of the stone showcase steps. This style has a close resemblance to a mirror. Instead of having a deep sparkle, the rectangle emerald has a soft gleam which shows the clarity of the stone.

• Rectangle Baguette

The rectangle baguette was first practiced in the 1920s during the Art Nouveau periods. Since then, it has made a place among the most desired shapes of Gemstone. This shape resembles a thin emerald. The baguette is a long, narrow, rectangular shape; their one end may be thinner than the other.

• Rectangle Cushion

The cushion shape is a common variant of both rectangle and square shapes. It is also called the pillow shape. In this shape, the Gemstone have cornered and round edges. The rectangle and/or square cushion is a popular shape especially among the rich and elite class. In this shape, a Gemstone has large facets due to this there is enhanced clarity and the transparency of the crystal is increased.

 

Significance of Gemstone Shapes –

The shape of a Gemstone is defining property of the stone. Various features such as sparkle, clarity and intricacy are all dependent on the cut and shape of the stone. It is also believed that the shape of stone has a direct effect on the healing properties of that particular stone.

An oval-shaped diamond holds more significance in terms of a person’s love life than a square diamond. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a Gemstone then considering the shape of the stone is as important as other factors.

 

Crystal and Stones that Attracts Money

Crystals and stones are famous for their enticing beauty. The vibrating colors and the various shapes make everyone gasp with sparkly eyes – Crystal and Stones that Attracts Money

We crave them for the sheer gorgeousness and oh how beautiful they will make us look if we wear them around our neck or in our ears. But we often underestimate the powers of these crystals and stones in terms of professional and personal success. Crystals and stones can bring you success, wealth and abundance.

Prosperity is something that we all chase after. It is as much luck as it is making clever and smart moves. Crystals and stones can help us in both ways. Not only these bring luck, but also, are a perfect friend that guides us in making the best moves, grabbing the right opportunity and staying focused towards our financial goals.

In ancient times, many wealthy merchants used to carry several crystals and stones to make them wealthier and strive for more financial success. These precious minerals have been providing wealth and prosperity all through the generations and different eras.

We have made a list of some of the popular crystals and stones that attract wealth and prosperity. Keeping these near you will surround you with abundance and wealth.

 

Crystals And Stones to Attract Money–

1. Pyrite

Pyrite is yellowish to the golden colored crystal which is famous as fool’s gold due to its resemblance to actual gold. It is found in various countries like Australia, South Africa, Spain, Japan, Peru, Russia is the leading pyrite mining locations on the globe.

It is the stone of abundance. If you have a business then keeping this stone in your home brings immense profit and wealth to your business and making it grow and expand. Pyrite is very popular and sought after crystals for people looking for financial success. This stone attracts money and wealth. Keeping it in your wallet or your cash resister will shower you with wealth.

 

2. Citrine

Citrine is a perfect crystal to attract money and wealth. This yellow colored crystal with enticing beauty will help you achieve your financial goals. It is popular for its monetary abundance and personal power. It is a crystal of solar plexus, the third chakra.

To utilize the maximum powers of this money attracting crystal put this on your third chakra with your eyes closed while meditating. This crystal will help you make better career choices that will lead you to success and abundance.

 

3. Clear Quartz

This is another preferred crystal which is used by people all across the world to bring financial abundance. Clear quartz is translucent in nature and sometimes appears to be white because of some parts may be denser than the rest.

This crystal is unique in the sense that it works with all the chakras and encourages positive energies. Clear quartz also acts as an amplifier. Using it with other money crystals increases the vibrations and amplifies the abilities of such crystals in bringing enormous wealth.

Clear quartz provides two benefits by attracting money and amplifying the powers of other money attracting crystal.

 

4. Green Jade – Crystal and Stones that Attracts Money

Green jade is popular for its money attracting and harvesting prosperity like abilities in various cultures. It comes in a beautiful shade of green which ranges from light grape green to very deep green. It is the stone for wealth.

Several priests and gurus believe that keeping an elephant-shaped green jade in your home brings financial benefits. If you are struggling with money related issues then this crystal will help you in resolving such issues. Wearing a green jade attracts higher energies towards you which make your vision clearer.

 

5. Green Aventurine 

This magnificent crystal of flawless beauty is a stone that attracts money. Hence, keeping this stone near you means surrounding yourself with wealth and abundance. India, Spain, Italy, Brazil, China, Russia, Tibet, Nepal are the chief mining locations of this stone.

It is often referred to as the stone of opportunity and also it belongs to the heart chakra. Green Aventurine will bring back that you regret spending. As the name suggests, this crystal will help you to grasp the best opportunities and make the most out of it. The best way to use all its money attracting powers is to hold it near your heart chakra while meditating.

 

6. Rose Quartz

This stone with an un-matchable beauty has a secret power of attracting money and prosperity that many do not know about. This light pink colored, semi-transparent crystal is famous for love and compassion.

Wearing rose quartz near your heart removes the fear of failure and makes you take bold business moves. It also helps you in grabbing opportunities that will lead you a financial surplus. While meditating, keep a piece of rose quartz around your heart to maximize your money yield. This stone will block bad eye and keep you safe from people’s jealousy towards your success.

 

7. Sodalite

Sodalite is a stone that may not directly bring you wealth but it is a very helpful stone to lead you on to the road of abundance and prosperity.

This is a throat chakra and therefore, keeping it on your throat while mediating improves your communication skills which are a much-needed asset if you want success. Sodalite helps you in believing yourself and clears your mind from any doubt. When you believe in yourself then you attract the greatest and abundance of prosperity.

 

8. Black Tourmaline – Crystal and Stones that Attracts Money

To attain enormous wealth you must work hard. There’s also one key factor that has a major role in almost all life event. It is luck. With black tourmaline, you can gather all the luck in your sides that will help you financially.

Black tourmaline is a stone that is very helpful when you are in debt or going through financial struggles. It is a favorite stone for crystal gurus when it comes to wealth and abundance. With black tourmaline, you can pull luck towards you and turn your dreams into reality.

 

Guide: Different Types of Gem Cuts & Styles

Gemstones are one of the most exquisite creations of nature. Their brilliant shine and magnificent colors and perfect shapes make everyone get lost in their beauty – Guide to Different Types of Gem Cuts & Styles

The godly appearance of a Gemstone is however not very natural. Almost all the precious stones are enhanced before being sold. When a Gemstone is mined from the heart of the Mother Nature they are covered with impurities and are in very irregular shapes. The Gemstones are then cut and polished to make their physical appearance a lot more appealing.

A Gemstones worth and value depends upon its brilliance, the beautiful hues of vibrant colors trapped inside it and the perfect shape.

Over the years many tools and techniques have been developed to give Gemstones many amazing shapes with perfectness. The cutting of a Gemstone requires detailing and preciseness to attain perfection.

Here we have discussed why a Gemstone needs to be cut and all the different cut shapes of a Gemstone.

 

“Tumbling and Polishing”

It is the simplest and earliest way of enhancing the quality of a Gemstone and giving it a definite shape. In this process, a Gemstone is placed in a tumbling machine which moves it in a circular motion. The grit motion is done for a few days or weeks until all the edges and surfaces of the stone acquire a smooth and polished round surface – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

 

Why is a Gemstone Cut? 

Gemstones are cut for many reasons; the shape is not the only criteria for the cutting of stone in different styles. One of the other major contributing reasons behind the cutting process of a Gemstone is that it determines the shining quality of a particular stone.  The simple tumbling and polishing the stone does not give it sparkle. For the purpose of giving a Gemstone the shining property, several multiple flat planes are cut into the surface of the stone. This is called the facet. This plane reflects the light and the phenomenon of sparkling are achieved.

The Gemstones are cut in a way that they don’t lose any of their chemical and their outer appearance is enhanced. A perfect cut shows the unique characteristics of the stone whereas the accuracy of the cut shows the brilliance and quality. After a cut, the value of a Gemstone is increased significantly because of the enhancement of quality.

Diamond being one of the hardest known substances is one of the commonly used gem cutter material. For colored Gemstones, a cutter made out of silicon carbide which is a man made compound.

Lapping is the preferred technique used to cut the Gemstone. It is the process of making multiple flats on the surface of the stone – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

 

What is Gem Cutting?

Gem cutting is the process of cutting and polishing Gemstones to enhance their physical beauty such as color and the sparkle. It is often called as lapidary. Gem cutting is an important process that every Gemstone has to go through after being mined from their respective locations.

Gemstones are present in their crude form in nature. When they are mined, these crystals are covered with unwanted particles and their appearance is dull. Gemstones in this state can’t be sold or used for any purpose.

Gemstones are precious materials which are used in Jewelry making. Therefore, a Gemstone must have a brilliant sparkle along with a perfect shape covered in vibrant hues of color. The gem cutting process achieves this desired physical appearance of stone making them more appealing to the eye.

 

Gemstones Cuts – 

Gemstones are cut in different styles and with different cutters. Here are some of the most famous Gemstone’s cut which ranks a high demand in the market.

1. Cabochon

The cabochon is one of the oldest forms of Gemstones cuts. It is not exactly a cut as there are no facets made during cabochon. In this process, the Gemstone is tumbled and polished to attain the perfect smooth finish and shiny crystal. After this, they are trimmed. Opal and moonstones are a common example of cabbed Gemstones. Various oval shaped Gemstones such as turquoise, onyx and agate – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

2. Old Mine Cut

It is another old way of cutting a Gemstone. The old mine cut’s technique is similar to the Mogul cut and the old European cut. The main aim of this cut was to achieve maximum brilliance. In this cut, the stones were usually tall with larger facets because of technical limitation of the tools. The old mine cut is still practiced to Gemstones to give them a vintage look.

3. Step Cut

In this type of cut, facets are added in horizontal layers resembling a set of steps. This type of cut is done when the main focus is to highlight the vibrant colors and clarity.

4. Brilliant Cut

The brilliant-cut is a complex cut that requires multiple facets being made at different angles to bring out the maximum sparkle. Brilliant cut has many variations. The different variations of this cut depend open the size and shape of the newly mined stoned.

5. Barion Cut

This cut is a combination of the above mention two cuts, the brilliant-cut and the step cut. In this cut, the facets are made in such a way that there is a cross-shaped pattern at the very middle of the stone. The appearance of Barion cut varies depending upon the shape of the stone this cut is being used on – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

6. Rose Cut

Rose-cut is both cabbed and faceted. It has a round cabochon base and a regular faceted top. The faceted top has a triangular pattern. This type of cut was introduced in the 1520s and has remained very popular since then.

7. Divine Cut

The divine cut is a very latest form of cut. It is a slight variation of the brilliant-cut. The main aim of this cut is to increase the brilliance and fraction of light in the stone. In divine cut, the stone acquires a shape similar to a parachute rather than the usual trapezoid shape which is attained in the brilliant-cut. The top surface of the stone in the divine cut is flat and smaller as compared to the brilliant-cut surface.

8. Checkerboard Cut

In his type of cut, the stone is made to resemble a checkerboard. The facets are all made in square shape. Checkerboard cut is often paired with cushion-shaped Gemstones to give out the best result. This cut goes along well with translucent Gemstones and displays the intricacy perfectly – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

9. Eight Cut

Eight cuts can be considered as an easy version of the brilliant-cut. In this type of cut, only 8 facets are made in accordance to the center of the stone.

10. Ceylon Cut

Ceylon is a mixed cut type. In this cut, the stones are cut from the sides. The side cutting of the stone is done in a fashion similar to the brilliant-cut. The sides are cut into steps ascending to the center of the stone.

 

Gemstones Cutting Tools – 

With the advancement in technology, many tools have been developed. These tools cut a Gemstones with such sophistication and precision that it almost looks like that the stone was born with such magnificence.

The quality of any Gemstone cutting tool is determined by the exclusivity it provides to a Gemstone. A good Gemstone cutting tool will best showcase the clarity and intricacy of a stone.

Over the years there has been advancement in the tools used for molding a raw Gemstone into a precious crystal. LASER technology is one of the major features adapted by the Gemstone industry. It has drastically changed the way Gemstones were cut and shaped. The principles, though, have not been changed.

There are certain features that a Gemstone cutting tool must contain, be it a modern tool or an old one. These are:

• It must have a polishing pad
• Grinder or a lapping plate is a necessity without which you cannot cut Gemstone.
• Angle scale which sets the angle for cutting tips
• The stone must be held at a fixed position during the process of cutting so for that purpose the tool must have a setting pin.
• The speed of and depth of cutting must be under the control of the gem cutter and therefore for this purpose, the machine must have a knob or some sort of faceting adjusting switch.
• A single needle tip. The tip can either be made of diamond, the hardest known substance. Or it can be made of silicon carbide, a man-made compound.
• The machine should be easy to use and maintaining must be simple a well.
• Lightning during the process of cutting is a need. The machine should have proper illuminating instruments attached to it.

A good machine never compromises with the innate traits of the Gemstones. It enhances the physical and chemical properties without disturbing any other trait – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

 

How to Choose the Right Gem Cutting Machine?

Choosing the right gem cutting tool is a serious decision which should not be made in a hurry. A good machine will give you a magnificent crystal. If you fail to make the correct choice when buying the machine then you may be stuck with Gemstones of irregular shapes and dull appearance. There are some key characteristics of a cutting machine that you should keep in mind when making a purchase.

1. Repeat-ability

A good machine is the one that gives a perfect result even after being used for a long period of time. The same cut must give the same effect to the Gemstone.

2. Speed

Speed is how fast a machine can cut Gemstone. The faster the speed of the machine, the better it is as compared to others. It is important to note here that speed alone can’t be the determining factor. The fast speed must sync with the accuracy of the machine as well.

3. Accuracy

Accuracy is the quality of the machine. It is determined by how well a machine can cut the Gemstone – Guide: Types of Gem Cuts and Styles

4. Reliability

A good quality machine is reliable too. It will work accurately and precisely over a longer period of times. If you take proper care of your machine then it will keep giving you good results over the years.

 

Types of Gem Cutting Machines – 

With the ever-growing and developing technology, the gem cutting tools have also experienced advancement over the years. To say it in a simple way, there are three generations of cutting tools in the world of Gemstones.

1. The Jam Peg Machine

It is a traditional form of gem cutting machine. These have a greater speed as compared to the other two. But, it compromises with accuracy. Although they have fast speed, they take a longer period to master.

2. The Mast Machine

It is the most technologically advanced Gemstone cutting machine. The mast machine is generally used in developed countries like the USA, Brazil, Russia and many other technologically blessed states. These machines have high accuracy and give the best result in terms of clarity and intricacy. These are easier to use as compared to other tools and can be used by an amateur. The drawback of this machine is that its speed is slower.

3. The Hand Piece Machine

If the jam peg is far-right and the mast machine far left then the hand piece lie in them idle. It is a milder and perfect combination of the above two. It is more accurate and precise as compared to the jam peg and has faster speed when compared to the mast machine. It is easier to use and maintain and offers long reliability to the user. The stones cut using the hand piece have a brilliant sparkle and their colors are more vibrant and expressive. It is a perfect machine to be used for Gemstones cutting process and turning them into a product of brilliance and beauty.