How do you cut shapes with gems?
How do you cut shapes with gems?
To cut hard gems, use a faceting machine to grind them into the shape you want. If the gems are softer, like pearl or amber, you can use sandpaper and water to shape the gem. When picking a shape for your gemstone, choose one that’s similar to the current shape of the stone so you don’t waste a lot of it.
What are the different types of gem cuts?
The Three Basic Gem Cutting Styles

- Brilliant Cut. Brilliant cuts consist of triangular and kite-shaped facets that spread outward from the center of the gem.
- Step Cut.
- Mixed Cuts.
- Shape and Style Combinations.
- Portuguese Cut.
- Fantasy Cut.
- Concave Facets.
What is the best cut for gemstones?
To most people the gem on the left with concave facets will look more “brilliant”. That is because its light and dark reflections are divided up by the curved facets on the pavilion of the gem into many smaller reflections. This breaks up the brilliance pattern into a far more complex and bright looking whole.
What is cut shape of a gemstone?
Cutting is the process whereby a rough stone is turned into a gemstone. A gem’s shape refers to the face-up outline displayed by the cut of a particular gemstone. Gemstones are cut in many shapes for use in jewelry. Cut shape is a crucial factor because it affects the brilliance and color of gems.

What is a step cut gemstone?
A step-cut style includes rows of rectangular facets that climb up the sides of the crown (or top) of the gem This type of cut is ideal for showing off a gemstone’s color. Two popular step cuts are the emerald cut and the baguette cut.
Learn how to facet these gem designs and make the stars… The Fan Shield cut will bring out the brilliance in gems with deep color saturation. Learn how to cut this design and create dark but lively gemstones.… The Pentafan is a unique cut designed for larger gems with deep color saturation.
What is a butterfly cut gemstone?
The Gemstone Butterfly is a stunning design for a custom-cut gem. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to facet this piece and suggest some variations.… The Hayek cut is great for light to medium-colored gem rough that’s blocky but not square enough for an emerald cut.