Pin Wheel: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams
Inspired by the classic children’s toy, Jeff Graham’s award-winning Pin Wheel gem design is easy to cut and makes a very interesting stone.
You can find cutting instructions for the Pin Wheel here.
A Pin Wheel in Rose Quartz
Remember those pin wheel toys we played with as children? I wanted to design a cut that looks and flashes just like one. So, I came up with this. It's easier than it looks.
- Pin Wheel, 2.88 cts, 9.5 x 6.3 mm, cut from a rose quartz by Jeff Graham.
- Pin Wheel, 2.88 cts, 9.5 x 6.3 mm, cut from a rose quartz by Jeff Graham.
The quartz I used for this example has a nice color, but it's a little on the silky side. As a result, the photos look a little fuzzy. However, the silk did cause some interesting color and dispersion when I photographed the stone. The blades of the "pin wheel" show pretty well.
Cutting Remarks
The girdle and P1 form a zigzag, and the tiers are every other one for meets. When you cut it, you'll see what I mean. It makes a very nice, interesting stone in sizes from 1 to 16 carats.
This design works well in lab-createdsapphire, spinel, and YAG (synthetic garnet).
If you cut this in a gem material with a lower refractive index (like quartz), the blade pattern tends to appear more pronounced.
Enjoy cutting your own Pin Wheel.
Detailed faceting instructions by Jeff Graham available at The Rock Peddler
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Scanner: Faceting Design Diagram
Shiver: Faceting Design Diagram
Red Block: Faceting Design Diagram
Quiller: Faceting Design Diagram
Latest Articles
Eight Famous Sapphires and the Stories Behind Them
How to Dry Opals Safely
Rose Quartz Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Ten Big, Beautiful, and Affordable Engagement Ring Stones
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!