18 Questions
What is the main reason why cutters take less care with inexpensive, low-quality rough?
Because it is less valuable and not rare
What is the term for dark areas in a gemstone?
Extinction
Why are proportion variations often seen in colored stones?
To save weight and reduce cost
What is the main factor at the begin of the cutting process that affects a finished gem's value?
Preforming
What type of cut is often used for opaque or translucent rough?
Cabochon cut
What is the effect of deep pavilions on a gemstone?
Dark areas or extinction
What is the purpose of proportion variations in a gemstone?
To retain as much weight as possible
What is NOT evaluated in a faceted gem to determine its proportions?
Crown and pavilion angles
What does expert cutting maximizes in a gemstone?
To maximize brilliance and color
What is the primary reason for maximizing a gem's brilliance and color?
To enhance the gem's interaction with light
What type of gemstones typically have areas of lower color intensity?
Stones with shallow pavilions
Why do cutters use proportion variations in colored stones?
To retain as much weight as possible with expensive rough
What is the result of a gemstone with deep pavilions?
Dark areas or extinction through the crown
How does preforming cutting process affect a gemstone?
significantly impacts the finished gem's value
What is the purpose of evaluating a faceted gem's proportions?
To evaluate its overall appearance and quality
What is the primary factor that influences a gemstone's interaction with light?
The gemstone's cut
What is the term for variations in a gemstone's outline to save weight?
Outline variations
What is the consequence of a gemstone with uneven brilliance?
It has a lower market value
Study Notes
Cutting and Proportions of Faceted Gems
- Expert cutting maximizes a gem's brilliance and color, especially in transparent rough.
- Flat stones with shallow pavilions often have areas of lower color intensity, called windows, and dark areas or extinction through the crown.
- Cutters use proportion variations to retain as much weight as possible in expensive, rare, high-quality rough.
- In contrast, cutters take less care with inexpensive, low-quality rough.
- The market demands precise cutting and proportions in gems cut from relatively available, moderately priced rough.
- Preforming, which has the greatest impact on a finished gem's value, is done by highly skilled workers.
Evaluating Faceted Gems
- Important factors in evaluating a faceted gem's proportions include crown and pavilion depths, symmetry of its profile, and face-up outline.
- Proportion and symmetry variations are visible through the crown as reduced or uneven brilliance.
Cutting Opaque or Translucent Rough
- Opaque or translucent rough is often cut into cabochons, cameos, intaglios, or beads.
Cutting and Proportions of Faceted Gems
- Expert cutting maximizes a gem's brilliance and color, especially in transparent rough.
- Flat stones with shallow pavilions often have areas of lower color intensity, called windows, and dark areas or extinction through the crown.
- Cutters use proportion variations to retain as much weight as possible in expensive, rare, high-quality rough.
- In contrast, cutters take less care with inexpensive, low-quality rough.
- The market demands precise cutting and proportions in gems cut from relatively available, moderately priced rough.
- Preforming, which has the greatest impact on a finished gem's value, is done by highly skilled workers.
Evaluating Faceted Gems
- Important factors in evaluating a faceted gem's proportions include crown and pavilion depths, symmetry of its profile, and face-up outline.
- Proportion and symmetry variations are visible through the crown as reduced or uneven brilliance.
Cutting Opaque or Translucent Rough
- Opaque or translucent rough is often cut into cabochons, cameos, intaglios, or beads.
Learn how cutting affects the brilliance and color of transparent faceted gems, including the importance of proportion and techniques to minimize weight loss.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
