Is Amethyst Expensive?
Amethysts are one of the most popular gemstone varieties. Used in jewelry at every price point, and you can find them set in inexpensive children’s…
Is Amber Expensive?
Amber is part of a small group of gemstones that are created by living organisms known in the trade as “organics”. Specifically, amber is defined…
Cut Grading Systems: The Professional Standard for Diamond Craftsmanship
As a gem cutter, your skill determines whether a rough diamond becomes a brilliant masterpiece or an unremarkable stone. Every angle you cut, every…
How Faceting Affects Value Factors: A Guide for Gem Cutters
As a gem cutter, every decision you make at the wheel directly impacts the final stone’s market value. The angle of each facet, the depth of…
Guide to Identifying and Correcting Poor Gemstone Cuts
As a gemstone cutter, you’ve likely encountered stones that should sparkle brilliantly but instead appear lifeless and dull. The culprit…
Hardness and Cleavage Considerations
Picture this: You’re holding a stunning piece of rough diamond, the hardest material on Earth. You strike it with a hammer, expecting it…
Color and Transparency
Imagine holding a rough, dull piece of crystal that transforms into a dazzling, brilliantly colored gem through the magic of faceting. This transformation…
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…
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