Few things can compare to the world of faceting. Extreme precision coupled with demands of finish and design, in a wide variety of materials which have uniques characteristics, make this a skill extrodinaire.

Faceted gems come in all range of quality and quality is determined by several factors. Any given facet rough can run the scale of color depth, clarity (inclusions,veils,etc.), and size.

Designs run full range from those which are easily cut and those which require much skill and patience; those which have exceptional qualities of brilliance and/or eye appeal, and those which are fairly bland.

Above is a typical faceting diagram which shows us how to cut the gem. The design would be followed by cutting instructions for each row of facets, such as:
PAVILION
    53.77º     01-15-17-31-33-47-49-63
PAVILION
    51.74º     03-13-19-29-35-45-51-61
which tells me to cut the pavilion by cutting a row (tier) of facets at 53.77 degrees at indexs 01, 15, 17 etc. Similar instructions would tell me how to cut the rest of the facets on the gem.
These designs are, for the most part, created in computer programs these days by faceters with a talent for creating designs that truly sparkel and are attactive.

Cutting produces sharp distinct facets which meet perfectly or facets which do not meet properly, are not at the proper angles, and sometimes are not even flat. A facet may be polished to perfection or may be marred by scratches, some of which may only be visible under magnification. But each of these details is important as the less perfectly a facet is cut, the less desirably light will be reflected back to the eye and the less fine will be the gem.

Some people do not even know of this and are easily satisfied by commercially cut gems, however, once you see the difference, you will KNOW. In real terms, a gem which is perfect is a good investment, a poor gem is no investment at all.

If you are going to spend your money on jewelry, why skimp on the gem? You need not spend thousands, or even hundreds, for a rarer or top top quality cut gem ... but spending $100 to $300 for a quality gem really makes more sense than spending $25 for a worthless commercial stone. Labor and gold/silver costs will be about the same for well-crafted jewelry - please put a decent gem in it!

Some may even wish to cut gems! There is a world of satisfaction to be gained, and if you become skilled some money can be made. Initial investment is significant! A machine which has dependable accuracy and stability and laps which are FLAT are essential.

We will put up several pages discussing all of this in the near future, meantime feel free to email any questions to us.

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