With so many different types of crystals to choose from, finding a new gem friend can be overwhelming. Explore the different cuts and kinds of crystals and discover which gemstone cut might be right for you. 

Geode

Geodes are spherical rocks that contain crystals inside their rough shells. They’re one of our bestselling gemstone cuts for a reason– their interiors reveal a beautiful stone that makes a gorgeous addition to any crystal collection. Our collection of geode stone cuts come polished or rough for a natural cauldron of hidden gifts. 

Circles, Cubes, Slabs, and Shapes

Shaped gemstones can be easily used for meditation, body layouts, or gridding for any variety of spiritual practices. We offer a variety of colors, shapes and forms, including orbs, cubes, phalluses and more for high-quality gemstone cuts that make a unique addition to any gemstone collection. These stone cuts are often polished for a sleek, stunning look. 

Palm Stone

 

Palm stones are frequently held during meditation and other spiritual practices to focus your attention and align your energies with the vibrations you want to attract. Their smooth surface feels good against your skin and can provide a relaxing sensation when touched or handled. 

Cluster

Crystal clusters are gorgeous parts of a cut gem that are often used to add dramatic flair to your meditation space. Offered in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, these natural stone cuts are formed naturally by the universe. These crystals provide a unified energy that channels the unique vibrations from their shared base.

Towers and Obelisks

Towers and obelisks are gemstone cuts of crystals, and are parts of a cut gem made from large gemstones, similar to ancient stone monoliths. They are a great way to focus your energy during meditation and are available in a variety of different crystal types, too.

What Stone Cuts are Common and Important in Gemstone Jewelry?

What is a Cabochon Cut?  When Do You Use a Cabochon Cut?

Understanding the Cabochon Cut

The Cabochon cut, often referred to simply as "cab," is the art of shaping gemstones without any facets. It features a flat base and a smooth, curved top, reminiscent of a rounded dome. Historically, this technique dates back to ancient times, with its roots in early Judaic, Greek, and Roman civilizations. It gained traction in Europe between the 13th and 14th centuries, flourishing long before modern faceting methods became popular.

Types of Gemstones Suitable for Cabochon

Today, while faceted gemstones dominate the market, the Cabochon cut remains preferred for specific stones, particularly those showcasing unique optical effects or natural beauty.

• Gemstones with Special Effects:

  1. Asterism - Seen in star sapphires and star rubies, where a star-like pattern appears on the surface.
  2. Chatoyancy - Known as the cat's eye effect, occurring in gemstones like chrysoberyl and tiger's eye.
  3. Iridescence - Found in opals, where dazzling colors shift with light and angle changes.
  4. Adularescence - Exhibited by moonstone and rose quartz, presenting a soft, glowing sheen.

• Opaque or Translucent Stones:
  Turquoise, jade, and agate naturally possess limited transparency and are well-suited to a Cabochon cut, which highlights their vibrant colors.

• Stones with Surface Inclusions or Lower Durability:
  This style minimizes surface flaws and is ideal for softer stones susceptible to scratching during faceting.

In summary, the Cabochon cut continues to be a beloved choice for certain gemstones, particularly those where its smooth finish can enhance unique optical effects or conceal imperfections, ensuring the gem's natural allure shines through.

How Does the Buff-Top Cut Combine Elements of Cabochon and Faceted Cuts?

The Buff-Top cut is a fascinating blend that brings together the best features of both the Cabochon and faceted cuts, offering a unique aesthetic and visual appeal.

A Unique Blend

• Cabochon Elegance: The top part of the Buff-Top cut is shaped in the smooth, rounded style characteristic of the Cabochon cut. This domed surface highlights the gem's color and creates an understated elegance.

• Faceted Brilliance: In contrast, the lower section of the gem is crafted with facets beneath the girdle. These facets are responsible for reflecting light, thus adding sparkle and brightness—qualities typical of traditional faceted gems.

Visual Depth and Appeal

By integrating these distinct styles, the Buff-Top cut allows the gem to maintain its lustrous surface while simultaneously achieving a multi-dimensional effect. This combination creates the illusion of depth, enticing the eye to gaze deeper into the heart of the gemstone.

In essence, the Buff-Top cut offers the soft, classic appeal of a Cabochon with the added brilliance and depth of faceted gems—making it a versatile choice for those seeking both subtlety and sparkle in a single piece.

Crafting the Pear Cut Gemstone: A Masterful Blend of Precision and Artistry

The Pear cut gemstone uniquely combines the elegance of an Oval cut with the pointed grace of a Marquise cut, resulting in a striking teardrop silhouette. This design showcases a modified version of the Round Brilliant cut, sparkling with 71 light-catching facets that enhance both brilliance and color.

Historical Origins and Considerations

Crafting a Pear cut demands meticulous attention to detail, harking back to its origins in 1458, when Louis van Berquem of Belgium introduced this shape. To achieve the perfect Pear cut, the symmetry must be flawless. This means ensuring the point of the gemstone aligns seamlessly with the apex of the rounded end. Such precision is crucial, as even slight asymmetry can disrupt the stone's beauty and balance.

Setting and Wearability

Given its distinctive shape, a Pear cut gemstone requires a special setting—typically six prongs with a focus on supporting its delicate point. This design choice not only protects the fragile tip but also amplifies the gemstone's scintillating effect.

The orientation of the Pear cut in jewelry often sees the pointed end directed towards the fingernail, though personal preference plays a significant role. Celebrities like Katherine Heigl and Jessica Simpson have popularized Pear cut engagement rings, highlighting its ability to elongate and slim the finger, making it a favored choice for rings, earrings, and pendants alike.

In conclusion, achieving the ideal Pear cut gemstone is a blend of historical technique, symmetry precision, and thoughtful setting. Each element plays a vital role in showcasing its captivating allure.

Unveiling the Unique Charm of the Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut stands out for its distinctive rectangular shape featuring trimmed corners. Unlike the traditional round or square cuts, this gem cut boasts roughly 50 facets. Such a configuration might offer less sparkle, but this is where the Emerald Cut’s unique allure lies—it emphasizes the stone's clarity and color.

Emphasis on Clarity and Color

• Clarity: The Emerald Cut is less about dazzling brilliance and more about pure, unadulterated transparency. Its larger, open facets allow you to peer deeply into the stone, offering a window-like view that showcases the gem’s internal quality.

• Color: With this cut, color takes center stage. The structure of the Emerald Cut enhances the vividness of the gem's hue, making it particularly striking in lighter-colored stones. It creates captivating flashes of light, resembling a hall of mirrors, where light dances between bright and shaded surfaces.

Historical and Practical Significance

Originally conceived for cutting emeralds, this design minimizes the risk of chipping by distributing the force applied during cutting. This feature was vital for working with emeralds, which often contain inclusions making them delicate. Over time, the Emerald Cut was adopted for diamonds and other gemstones, becoming favored for its unique, sophisticated appearance. Its elongated form beautifully complements the finger, adding to its allure for jewelry enthusiasts.

In summary, the Emerald Cut is unique not for its sparkle, but for its ability to highlight the intrinsic clarity and natural color of a gemstone, offering a timeless elegance that few other cuts can rival.

Understanding the Cushion Cut: Characteristics and History

The Cushion cut, originally known as the "Old Mine Cut" or "Old European Cut," is celebrated for its distinctive, classic appearance. This cut features around 64 facets, offering a square shape with gracefully rounded corners that resemble a plush couch cushion—hence the name. It's also recognized as the "Pillow Cut."

Characteristics of the Cushion Cut

• Shape: It's primarily square with rounded edges, but some variations may appear slightly oval.
• Facets: The cut typically boasts around 64 facets, enhancing its ability to reflect light.
• Usage Efficiency: Similar to a Princess cut, the Cushion cut is designed to maximize the use of the gemstone, minimizing waste while enhancing the stone's luster and brilliance.

Historical Significance

The Cushion cut has been cherished for over two centuries. Before the advent of the 20th century, it was the industry standard for gemstone cutting, celebrated for its timeless style and elegance.

Contemporary Appeal

While its popularity waned with the emergence of new cutting styles, the Cushion cut has recently experienced a resurgence. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Garner, Ivanka Trump, Giuliana Rancic, and Mena Suvari have all chosen Cushion cut engagement rings, breathing new life into this classic design.

The Cushion cut's enduring charm lies in its blend of vintage allure and modern sophistication, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a timeless yet fashionable piece.

Characteristics of the Trilliant Cut Gemstone

The Trilliant cut is renowned for its distinctive triangular shape. It features three sides that may be either slightly rounded or straight, often with step cuts that provide a clean, structured look. As for variations, there are two main styles:

• Curved Trilliants: This style is generally reserved for solitaire stones. Known by different names, including trillion or trillian, this variation showcases gentle curves that exude elegance.
• Uncurved Trilliants: Often referred to simply as Trilliant, these are ideal for side stones. Their straight edges complement and enhance the main gemstone without stealing the spotlight.

Maximizing Brilliance and Appearance

1. Facet Design: Trilliant cuts typically boast between 31 to 43 facets. This design captures and reflects light efficiently, enhancing the brilliance and color of the gemstone. Its equilateral form contributes to this dazzling effect, with symmetry, angles, and proportions playing key roles in light dispersion.

2. Illusion of Size: One standout feature of the Trilliant cut is its ability to appear larger than its actual carat weight, thanks to its shallow cutting process. This quality offers excellent visual impact without a corresponding increase in cost.

3. Waste Minimization: The shallow cutting process not only creates the illusion of size but also minimizes waste, making it an economical choice in terms of material preservation.

4. Unique Appearance: The sophisticated shape of the Trilliant cut brings a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other cuts. Its ability to capture light brilliantly makes it a desirable choice for both centerpieces and complementary side stones.

However, due to its shallow nature, Trilliant-cut gemstones can show dust and dirt more prominently, requiring regular maintenance. If set as a solitaire, a protective setting is recommended to guard its delicate corners against damage. These considerations along with its exceptional light performance make the Trilliant cut a favorite among gem enthusiasts.

Advantages of the Oval Cut in Gemstone Appearance

The Oval cut is a stunning choice for those seeking a distinctive yet captivating gemstone. Originating in the mid-20th century, this cut is celebrated for its elliptical form, which strikes a beautiful balance between the classic round and the sophisticated marquise shapes.

Enhanced Brilliance and Fire

Crafted with 69 facets, the Oval cut is a modified brilliant cut. This design maximizes brilliance and fire, offering a dazzling display that rivals the traditional round cut while presenting a more unique silhouette.

Illusion of Size

One major perk of the Oval cut is its elongated shape, creating the illusion of a larger gemstone. This optical trick not only makes the gemstone appear more substantial but also imbues it with an elegance that’s hard to match.

Elegant Finger Appearance

In addition to enhancing the stone's apparent size, the Oval cut can make the wearer's finger look longer and slimmer. Its elongated design naturally draws the eye along the length of the finger, imparting a graceful and refined look.

Whether you're after a distinctive style or a way to enhance the presence of your gemstone, the Oval cut delivers on both fronts with its blend of brilliance and visual appeal.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Heart-Shaped Gemstone

Selecting a heart-shaped gemstone requires attention to detail to ensure maximum brilliance and aesthetic appeal. Here are the crucial factors to consider:

1. Shape and Symmetry

   • The heart shape derives from a pear shape, featuring a distinct notch at the top.
   • Symmetry is essential: both halves of the heart must mirror each other perfectly.
   • Check for a sharp and well-defined cleft at the top and gracefully rounded sides.

2. Facet Count and Sparkle

   • Typically, heart-shaped gems have around 59 facets, which contribute to their intense sparkle.
   • A well-cut stone maximizes light reflection, creating a fiery brilliance.

3. Polish and Finish

   • Look for a gemstone with a high-quality polish to enhance its natural luster.
   • Pay attention to the overall finish to ensure there are no visible blemishes or inconsistencies.

By focusing on these attributes, you can select a heart-shaped gemstone that radiates beauty and charm.

How the Radiant Cut Combines Elements of Princess and Cushion Cuts

The Radiant cut masterfully merges the clean lines of the Princess cut with the gentle elegance of the Cushion cut, creating a distinct and versatile gem style. Its unique design was introduced in 1977 by Henry Grossbard, offering a modern twist that captivates both enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Key Features of the Radiant Cut

• Squared Corners: Unlike the curved edges of a Cushion cut, the Radiant cut features straight, cropped corners. This detail gives the gem a contemporary square or octagonal outline, echoing the structure of a Princess cut while retaining an individual flair.

• Brilliance and Fire: The Radiant cut ensures maximum sparkle, much like the Cushion cut, renowned for its capacity to disperse light. It achieves this brilliance without compromising the symmetry that the Princess cut is known for, thus providing both vibrancy and structure.

• Versatile Style: The Radiant cut's design is particularly versatile, suitable for those who adore the modern appeal of a geometric shape but don't want to lose the luminous qualities found in circular gems. This adaptability has made it popular among celebrities, including Hilary Duff and Jessica Biel, who have chosen this cut for their engagement rings.

Perfect for Today’s Jewelry Trends

The combination of these elements creates a perfect harmony that suits a variety of styles and settings, whether you're looking for something classic or contemporary. If you desire a gem that encapsulates brilliance with sleek style, the Radiant cut offers a splendid balance between the Princess and Cushion elements, making it a timeless choice.

How Does the Marquise Cut Enhance the Appearance of a Gemstone and What Is Its Historical Significance?

The Marquise cut, sometimes referred to as the Navette cut, is renowned for its unique ability to enhance the visual appeal of a gemstone. Crafted with precision, it typically features 57 facets, designed to maximize light reflection, thereby heightening sparkle and color brilliance. This modified brilliant cut is known for its ability to make gemstones appear larger due to its substantial surface area, offering more weight per carat than many other cuts.

Enhancing Appearance

1. Shape and Symmetry: The long, pointed oval shape of the Marquise cut naturally elongates the appearance of the stone, making it a flattering choice for jewelry pieces like rings. When properly crafted, both ends of the Marquise must align perfectly, and the two halves should mirror each other to ensure optimal symmetry. This meticulous symmetry is crucial not just for aesthetic reasons but also to ensure the stone is securely set and less prone to damage.

2. Light and Reflection: The facet arrangement in a Marquise cut is meticulously designed to reflect light internally and externally, adding to the gemstone’s brilliance. If a stone is cut too shallow, light can pass right through, diminishing its vibrancy. Therefore, achieving the right depth is vital for maintaining the gemstone's sparkle.

3. Visual Illusion: Due to its elongated shape, the Marquise cut not only flatters the finger by making it look longer and slimmer but also creates the impression of a larger stone. This illusion of size is one of the cut's standout features, making it a popular choice for those who desire a bold look without the corresponding carat weight.

Historical Significance

The Marquise cut holds a storied place in history. It was commissioned by King Louis XIV of France, who intended this cut to mimic the perfect smile of Marquise de Pompadour, his beloved. This regal connection imbued the cut with an aura of romance and sophistication that continues to influence its popularity today.

In modern times, the Marquise cut has seen inventive uses, such as being set vertically. This trend has been embraced by celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ashlee Simpson, who each chose vertically set Marquise diamonds for their engagement rings. This modern twist on a classic cut illustrates its enduring versatility and timeless appeal across centuries.

In conclusion, the Marquise cut's ability to enhance gemstone appearance through its unique shape, symmetry, and facet structure, combined with its regal historical significance, makes it a distinguished and desirable choice in the world of fine jewelry.

Comparing the Princess Cut to the Round Brilliant Cut

When it comes to the dazzling interplay of light and the overall value of gemstones, the Princess cut and the Round Brilliant cut stand out for their distinct qualities.

Facet Details

• Princess Cut: Featuring between 58 to 76 facets, the Princess cut is designed to maximize sparkle with its sharp angles and square shape. This cut mimics the brilliance of a Round Brilliant cut by reflecting light across its well-defined facets.

• Round Brilliant Cut: Known for its symmetry and classic appeal, the Round Brilliant cut similarly boasts 58 facets. Its symmetrical design ensures optimal light performance, resulting in a stone that sparkles intensely.

Value Differences

• Material Retention: One of the key advantages of a Princess cut is its efficiency in retaining the rough gemstone. It preserves approximately 80% of the original stone, offering more gem for less cost. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking value.

• Round Brilliant Cut: This cut, however, typically retains only about 50% of the rough stone due to the material lost when shaping its round form. Consequently, a Princess cut gem can appear larger and offer more carat weight than a Round Brilliant cut of the same width.

Conclusion

In summary, the Princess cut provides a cost-effective alternative with impressive brilliance, utilizing more of the original gem material to maximize value. Meanwhile, the Round Brilliant remains a timeless choice with its perfect symmetry and radiant sparkle. Each offers unique benefits, catering to different aesthetic preferences and budget considerations.

The Unique Briolette Cut: Shape and Historical Significance

The Briolette cut stands out with its distinctive pear or drop-shaped design, fully adorned with 84 triangular facets that envelop the stone entirely. Unlike conventional cuts, it lacks a table, crown, or pavilion, making it an exceptionally challenging cut to master. Because of this complexity, skilled artisans are able to cut only 5 to 10 briolettes each day.

Aesthetic Characteristics

While it may not exhibit the same fire and brilliance as the modern Round Brilliant cut, the Briolette compensates with its ability to reflect light from its multitude of facets. This reflection creates stunning displays of color and radiance, reminiscent of tiny chandeliers catching the light. Its shape is cherished for earrings that dangle and capture light brilliantly without the need for heavy settings. Often, briolettes have a small hole drilled at the top, permitting the use of a wire for free movement or attachment to a precious metal cap for pendants.

Historical Roots

The Briolette cut is believed to have originated in India as early as the 12th century. Its journey to Europe is often attributed to the French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, suggesting the cut's introduction to the continent through his expeditions. The term “Briolette” is thought to derive from the French words 'Brilliant,' meaning sparkling, and 'Brignolette,' a reference to 'dried plum,' reflecting its sensual shape.

Historical Prestige

Popular particularly in the 17th century, before the advent of modern cuts like the Round Brilliant, briolettes were prominently featured in the tiaras and crowns of royalty, especially during the Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco eras. Historically, they were a preferred choice for earrings, pendants, and necklaces, gracing the jewelry collections of aristocrats and royalty alike, adding a touch of elegance and refinement.

In summary, the Briolette cut is a marvel of gemstone artistry, cherished for its unique shape and deep historical roots, continuing to captivate jewelry connoisseurs worldwide.

What Features Distinguish the Asscher Cut, and How Has It Evolved Over Time?

The Asscher cut is an intriguing hybrid known for marrying elements of the princess and emerald cuts. Distinguished by its unique "X" pattern visible on the gemstone's table, this cut features truncated corners that give it a classic, square shape. Its hallmark "step-cut" facets emphasize the stone's clarity rather than its sparkle, a choice that sets it apart from other cuts focused on brilliance.

Evolution Over Time

Originally crafted in 1902 by the Asscher brothers in Holland, the cut quickly gained popularity during the early 20th century. However, in 2001, Edward and Joop Asscher introduced the Modern Asscher—often referred to as the Royal Asscher. This updated version increased the facet count from 58 to 74, significantly improving its ability to catch and reflect light while also broadening the corners for a more refined look.

Impact and Popularity

The Asscher cut surged in popularity after making appearances on shows like "Sex and the City," which caught the attention of celebrities. It's become a sought-after choice for engagement rings, worn by notable figures like Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and others. This renewed interest underscores the cut's timeless appeal and its unique combination of elegance and clarity.

Understanding the Round Brilliant Cut

What is a Round Brilliant Cut?

The Round Brilliant cut, often referred to by names like "American Ideal" or "American Standard," is a highly sought-after gemstone cut. Famous for its ability to maximize a stone’s brilliance and sparkle, this cut features 57 expertly angled facets. Each facet works harmoniously to ensure optimal light reflection, resulting in dazzling brightness and intricate light dispersion.

Historical Background

Though there's no single inventor credited with its original design, the modern Round Brilliant cut owes much to a rich history of innovation. Over time, jewelers have continuously refined this design to enhance light behavior within the gem. Some noteworthy variations of the round cut include:

• Old Single Cut
• Rounded Single Cut
• Old European Cut
• Jubilee Cut
• Royal Cut

The Tolkowsky Influence

The modern version as we know it today was profoundly shaped by Marcel Tolkowsky, a Polish mathematician. In 1919, Tolkowsky meticulously devised what became the "Ideal Cut," grounded in his doctoral research at the University of London. His book, The Diamond Design, is a cornerstone in the field of diamond cutting. It established key concepts such as brilliance, fire, and sparkle, which remain vital to diamond grading and evaluation today.

Initially created for diamonds, the Round Brilliant cut now graces a wide array of gemstones, making it a versatile choice in jewelry design.

Understanding the Baguette Cut in Jewelry

The baguette cut is famed for its unique shape, which plays a critical role in the jewelry world. Let's dive into how it's used and what sets it apart from other gemstone cuts.

Defining Features of the Baguette Cut

• Shape and Origin: Rectangular and elongated, the baguette cut borrows its name from the French term for a slender loaf of bread, 'baguette'. This cut emerged in prominence during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras of the 1920s and 1930s.

• Facets and Structure: Known for its 'step cut' design, a baguette gemstone typically features 14 facets aligned in a stair-step manner around the edges, forming a pyramid-like appearance without a peak. This structured facet arrangement accentuates clarity over brilliance, making it less fiery but exceptionally clear.

• Size and Measurement: Generally smaller than other cuts, baguette stones are often less than one carat. Instead of carat weight, the focus is on their dimensions regarding length and width.

Usage in Jewelry Designs

• Accent Role: Baguette stones are predominantly used as side stones or accents rather than centerpieces. Their clean lines and modern geometric look complement more circular or oval center stones, creating a striking contrast.

• Types and Versatility: Available in both regular and tapered forms—where the sides narrow inward—they can seamlessly fit alongside round stones without leaving gaps. This adaptability makes them indispensable in designs that require precision, such as eternity bands and elaborate halo settings.

The baguette cut's clean, minimalist appearance alongside its historical charm makes it a staple choice for jewelers aiming for sophistication without sacrificing simplicity. This blend of past and present ensures the baguette cut remains a timeless element in the jewelry industry.

Comparing Facet Arrangements: Octagon vs. Emerald Cut

When examining the Octagon and Emerald cuts, a key difference lies in how their facets are arranged and the visual effect they produce.

Octagon Cut

The Octagon cut is a unique variation that employs a "step-cut" technique. Here, the gemstone is crafted with rows of wide, flat facets that follow the shape of the stone, reminiscent of descending steps around the gem's edge. Typically, an Octagon cut features about 53 facets. These are organized concentrically and often showcase a gemstone's deep color vividly. However, one must choose stones wisely, as this cut can also magnify any inclusions due to its extensive coverage and arrangement.

Emerald Cut

Conversely, the Emerald cut also uses the step-cut style but offers fewer facets, approximately 50 in total. This cut emphasizes clarity over sparkle, with fewer but larger facets that allow light to travel in strikingly bold flashes across the stone’s surface. Unlike the Octagon cut, the facets here aren't equidistant, and their larger size highlights a gem’s clarity and color. The Emerald cut was initially designed to minimize cutting stress on emeralds and has since been adopted for diamonds and other stones, offering a sophisticated and elongated appearance.

Summary

In summary, while both cuts use a step-cut approach, the Octagon cut features more numerous, concentric facets, enhancing a gemstone's color and potential inclusions. The Emerald cut, with fewer but larger facets, prioritizes clarity and dramatic light reflections, making it suitable for stones with fewer inclusions and vibrant colors.

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