This is an overview of the steps, techniques, and tools for cutting a fantasy gemstone. To demonstrate the procedure for beginners, I chose a very flawed ametrine from my junk rough box. Since it’s a relatively large stone, I hope the facets and carvings are easy to identify in the pictures.

The first part of the fantasy cutting process is to cut a finished stone. The second part is to carve it. Typically, freeforms are used. Although the stone is a freeform, the techniques are the same as faceting any other stone.

Cutting A Fantasy Gemstone Pavilion

Start with the pavilion.

Step 1

Determine where the table will be placed and grind a flat for dopping as shown below.

grind a flat - fantasy gemstone 2

Step 2

Dop the stone as shown here. I used a gel-type super glue with accelerator.

dopping - fantasy gemstone 3

Step 3

Establish the shape of the finished stone by cutting a series of girdle facets at 90º to give you the outline. Be sure to write down the indexes used: 96 21 27 72.

It’s nice to note that most fantasy gemstones are freeforms. This allows you to use all your rough and maximize yield. In this case, I used…