Cutting – Optional Activity

Experiment: Paper Gem Cutting Lab

What You'll Do:

1. Design Your Gem Patterns:
   • Draw circles on colored cardboard (4-6 inches across)
   • Create templates for different cuts: round brilliant (with triangular sections), emerald cut (with rectangular sections), smooth dome shape
   • Use a protractor to make accurate angles (get adult help for precision)
2. Cut Your Paper Gems:
   • Cut out triangular sections for your brilliant cut pattern
   • Score fold lines to create angled surfaces
   • Fold sections at different angles - some steep, some shallow
   • Make several versions with different angles
3. Test Your Light Performance:
   • Use a flashlight to shine light on your paper "gems"
   • Compare how light reflects off different angles
   • Notice how steeper angles send light in different directions
   • Try to find angles that send light back toward your eyes (maximum sparkle)
4. Compare Different Cuts:
   • Make several versions of the same design with different proportions
   • Test the light performance of each version
   • Figure out which cuts create the best light return
   • Understand why precision is so important in real gem cutting

International Gem Society

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