Inclusions and Cutting Strategy
Imagine holding a rough emerald worth thousands of dollars. Inside, you spot a dark crystal inclusion right in the center. Do you cut it out and lose…
Yield Optimization vs. Aesthetics
Picture this: You have a stunning piece of aquamarine rough worth thousands of dollars. Do you cut it for maximum weight retention to preserve its…
Round Brilliant Cut: The Crown Jewel of Faceted Gemstone Design
Picture a gemstone that captures light like no other, splitting it into rainbow flashes that dance with every movement. The round brilliant cut…
Step Cuts and Emerald Cuts: The Art of Understated Elegance
Imagine looking through a crystal-clear window into the heart of a gemstone. That’s exactly what step cuts offer – a completely different…
The Importance of Precision in Faceting
Picture a diamond sparkling under lights, throwing rainbows across the room. Now imagine that same stone looking dull and lifeless. What makes…
Optical Phenomena Unique to Certain Gem Materials
Imagine holding a gemstone that displays a perfect six-pointed star dancing across its surface, or one that changes from emerald green to ruby…
What Is Faceting?
Imagine holding a diamond that sparkles with brilliant flashes of light, each tiny surface reflecting and refracting light in perfect harmony.…
The Role of Faceting in Gemology
Imagine holding a rough diamond in your hand. It looks dull and lifeless—nothing like the brilliant sparkler you see in jewelry stores. What…
Overview of Gem Cutting Styles
Imagine holding a diamond that catches light like captured fire, or an emerald that seems to glow from within. The magic behind these stunning effects…
IGS Become Member