Shapes, Cuts & Calibration

Gemstone Shapes

We carry following Shapes in almost every Gemstone in our inventory (in addition to 39 fancy cuts):

Calibration

All of our gemstones are sold in calibrated sizes (refer to our price list which can be downloaded in PDF format from this website). This means that gemstones are sold in sizes that fit most commercial jewellery, such as rings, earrings and bracelets. 

Most gemstone settings come in standard sizes. If a gemstone does not fit in a standard setting, the setting needs to be custom- made which involves more labour and therefore more expense. If the value of a gemstone makes it worth cutting for maximum yield, then it makes sense to pay for a custom-made setting.

Buyers take note: sometimes the cost of a custom setting isn't justified by the value of the gemstone.

Cutting Styles

Faceted gemstones are more common today where the position of the facets is carefully planned to ensure that the largest amount of light is reflected within the gemstone’s body. By doing this, the stone's best colour and brilliance will be displayed. The way a stone is cut probably has the greatest impact on the stone's beauty.

The most popular fashioning methods of coloured gemstones may be divided in four categories:

Brilliant
Step
Mixed
Cabochon (Smooth, no facets)

The cabochon cut is a facet less cut that produces a rounded dome shape with a smooth surface and flat pavilion. Throughout history, cabochon cut gemstones were popular due to poor quality of rough and their stronger colour. These cuts are now gaining popularity again, as many people prefer the more subtle, softer look of the cabochon.