Gemstone Cut is one of the most important traits when buying a gemstone. Most gemstones are mined and found in the rough. They usually look hideous compared to the finished product once they are cut and polished. When shopping for a gemstone, there are a few important things to consider.
Especially for diamonds, the way the diamond is cut will in many cases determine its brilliance and fire. Cutting a diamond in certain ways will maximize the way the stone reflects light. There are many ways to cut a diamond and over a half dozen types are popular. However, certain stones do require a certain cut. Some of the more popular gemstone cuts are called round cut (most popular and usually gives the stone the most fire), marquis cut, cushion cut, princess cut, emerald cut and pear shaped cut.
While diamonds are notorious for the way they are cut, other types of gemstones are not that picky when they are cut. Gemstones that are usually fibrous and cryptocrystalline, meaning having very small crystal structures are usually opaque and do not rely on the way the light hits it for their value or beauty. These gemstones are usually cut for the essence of the stone or to fit nicely in a specific setting.
Other gemstones such as pearls and coral (usually referred to organic minerals) are not cut at all and many times left in their natural state. However, it is customary to polish these items, as with all gemstones. |