HOW DO YOU CUT YOUR GEMS?

The techniques for cutting gemstones require special skills since they require a subtle and complex process to ensure the best result. Most of the time, the polishing and cutting of the stones is entrusted to a lapidary since it is his job. But before entrusting your gem to this specialist, it is advisable to know certain elements which can help you to make a decision.

THE DIFFERENT POSSIBLE SHAPES

In their raw state, the surfaces of the crystals and gems are dull and without luster, and their shape has defects and other imperfections. Cutting is therefore an obligatory process to obtain valuable stones or crystals. It consists of giving a definite shape to the stone while revealing its brilliance, colour and shine. It should be noted, however, that there is no absolute cut since the cutting techniques to be applied to a stone will essentially depend on the shape, type and quality of the gem. There are thus different shapes to apply to a stone when cutting it: marquise, round brilliant, emerald, trillion, oval, pear, square, octagon, degree cuts, trapezoid, heart, cushion, baguette, shuttle, princess...

THE WORK OF THE LAPIDARY

Having the necessary tools to cut the stones, the lapidary can also advise you on the finishing processes to be considered according to the style you have chosen for the cut. Polishing, for example, is suitable for stones in good condition that have no visible scratches or stains. Fine gemstones, on the other hand, are cut for regularity of colour and to be viewed from above. Note also that the lapidary has a double role, namely the cutting and the shaping of the stone. If his first mission is to give a shape and reveal its brilliance, the shaping consists in applying a finish appropriate to the shape and colour of the gem.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL SIZE?

In reality, finding the ideal size for a stone cannot be done since everything depends on the shape you wish to give it, but also on its future use. However, there are cutting techniques that are more suitable for some stones than others. For example, for prismatic crystals, the emerald cut and the octagonal cut are more used. The oval and shuttle cut is used for bi-pyramidal prismatic stones such as amethyst or sapphire. The brilliant cut is especially used for diamonds to bring out their brilliance, their brilliance and especially their adamantine fire.