Ratna Sagar Jewels - All Types of Wholesale Gemstone Beads

Since time immemorial, gemstones have been used as a curing and healing entity. There are many gemstones that are worn to drive energy and heal gaps in the personality. Like in most cultures, the balance in life is attributed to the balancing forces—the male and the female, the Alpha and the Omega, or the Ying and Yang.

Here are 5 gemstones for married women.

Yellow Sapphire:

Also called Pukhraj, yellow sapphire is a befitting gemstone for married women who have husbands engaged in the risky occupation. Risky operations like firefighting, policing, mining, sailing, and motorsports can be very dangerous to life and mental health. Women wear yellow sapphire beads to protect their husbands from danger. Moreover, yellow sapphire also improves marital relationship. It guarantees peace, harmony, and bliss till eternity.
Choicest alternatives to yellow sapphire are citrine and yellow topaz.

Pearl:

White, pink and blue pearls are all recommended for married women. In fact, pearls symbolize the chastity of a woman. Pearl is especially beneficial in improving blood circulation and nervous coordination. With a pearl on the forefinger, women seldom go berserk with their rage and aggression. For anger management, women should wear a pearl on the silver brace.

Spiritually, pearl neutralizes the influence of light on the personality. Owing to its connection with Water and Moon, wearing a pearl facilitates the maturity of sensuousness and inner consciousness.

Rainbow moonstone:

Moonstone Beads have always been a mystery stone for most individuals. Like women, it has a vibrant character and it changes with the perspective you look at it. Moonstone has a tangible association with Moon. Blue moonstone is of special mention in a woman’s collection of the gemstone. Also referred to as the Cat’s Eye, Blue Moonstone governs the sense of deep thought and consciousness. It calms the mind and controls the fickle nature that most women complain about.

Rainbow moonstone is the birthstone for June and July. For those facing turbulences in life arising out of relationship or finances, wearing a rainbow moonstone can diffuse all the negative energies.

Red Coral:

Also called moonga, red coral is known to empower the planet Mars. It is of special importance for the married women who have a history of miscarriages, stillbirths and congenital diseases in their family. At the time of the wedding, the bride is made to wear bangles and rings studded with natural red coral. Its association with blood and genital area makes it a wonderful gemstone to overcome menstrual issues like painful periods or irregular events.

Red coral should not be worn with yellow sapphire and emeralds.

Peridot:

Emeralds for men and peridot for women; that’s how it goes for married couples. The age long secret of a happy marriage is wearing peridot with blue topaz. Peridot gives protective powers to fight against the evil forces, especially during pregnancy and post-partum. It regulates the life cycle, as well as alleviates fear and pain.

Sacred texts on gemstones reveal how gemstones can influence the feminine energy chakras. That explains why astrologers recommend exclusive gemstones women who are facing some issues in life that no medicine can treat or alleviate.

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Emeralds have been listed as one of the nine most revered gemstones on Earth. In many Asian cultures, these beryl gemstones are considered as therapeutic elements to cure many bodily, mind and spiritual defects and damages. It is rightly called the “Stone of Unconditional Love”, wearing the emerald close to the heart and on the ring finger brings vitality to the soul and strengthens the relationship.

For unmarried men and women wearing an emerald is the best “dating” booster. However, the long list of benefits can be enjoyed only when you choose a gemstone that is flawless and exudes all the properties of a genuine emerald.

Here are 4 things to keep in mind while choosing an emerald.

The Source:

Dig into the source of the gemstone. Believe it or not— natural gemstones considered to be of the best quality come from Asian and North American countries. Emeralds mined from different parts of the world exhibit a varied range of green color. However, the only choice that the buyer has to make is to pick the darker shades over the lighter ones.

All top gemstone sellers have to necessarily put the information tag revealing the source of the gemstone. Look out for gemstones from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Spain, USA, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The 4Cs:

The best emerald beads are the ones that satisfy the 4 C conditions. Consistent color and clarity, definite cuts and accurate carat weight—these are the exact parameters that no buyer should miss while buying an emerald. The darker emeralds have a higher concentration of chromium and vanadium. Look out for the absolute concentration levels of these ions as they are not considered ideal for long-term contact.

Similarly, test the emerald under X-ray spectroscopy to verify if the gemstone has any flaws, fissures or cracks inside it.

Real versus synthetic:

Thanks to the technology, many emerald gemstone sellers also offer synthetically manufactured stones at a much cheaper rate. However, the validity of their usefulness is still a dubious aspect. Many astrologers suggest that the synthetic emeralds are just as good as the real ones as they have the same composition and the color gradient as the naturally occurring emeralds.

Most top selling gemstone showrooms clearly distinguish between their natural and synthetic collections. However, what they won’t tell the buyer is the quality and the technology used to manufacture them. Do they have silica in them? Are they artificially dyed? Are they irradiated to look brilliant?
These are some of the doubts that every emerald buyer should clarify with the gemstone dealer before buying.

The warmness of the gemstone:

When placed on the hand, the emerald seems to exude warmth even in sub-zero temperature. Emerald is a very congenial gemstone. It goes well with almost every personality. Essentially the birthstone for May, emeralds are also worn by people suffering from relationship issues and those with known history of liver, heart and kidney ailments.  The warmness of the emerald is what attracts the buyer.

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Most buyers think that gemstones are evaluated like diamonds. Diamonds are graded based on four physical factors, what we know as the 4 Cs. They are:

•  Color
•  Clarity
•  Cut
•  Carat weight

While these 4 Cs are applicable to most gemstones that are opaque and lustrous, there are many more that are opaque like the pearl gemstone, chalcedony gemstones, lapis lazuli, Jadeite gemstone, Carnelian and so on. So, how to pick such gemstones and evaluate their value?

This article is about evaluating the gemstones based on not just the 4 Cs but also moving beyond these usual parameters.

Here are 5 ways a gemstone buyer can establish the exact worth of any gemstone—clear or opaque.

The Source of Gemstone:

There are hundreds of gemstone mines from where world-class grades are extracted. They are then sent to laboratories for cutting, refining and color enhancement procedures. The quality of the gemstone is then established based on the clarity and the physical attributes comparable with the benchmark items.

So, verify the source of the gemstone to evaluate its market value.

Flaws and cracks:

If the gemstone is flawed by any chance, the prices will vary. However, a flawed diamond will still be pegged at a higher order in terms of price as compared to a pure ruby or for that matter, emerald. However, there are many methods by which these flaws can be systematically wiped out or hidden. Thus, the prices of these gemstones with cracked surface still have significantly higher value in the market.

The reason is the amount of effort and resources put to make them look genuine.

Gemstone reengineering:

This is another factor that can help the buyer estimate the price of the gemstone. Reengineering is done to make the gemstone achieve the comparable ratings of the 4Cs. However, they are more about turning the primary natural gemstone into the saleable item of collection by using different methods like irradiation and laser cutting.

Gemstone re-engineering can transform the physical attributes of the stone drastically.

Hardness and brittleness:

Not all gemstones showcase the same degree of hardness as diamond. In fact, most of the commercially available gemstones have a hardness ranging between 5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Hence, choosing a gemstone with good hardness is very important especially if it is intended to be worn as an accessory for a very long time. Not only will a hard gemstone resist the impact of scratches and cracks, it will also be less brittle.

Evenness of the Color Tone:

Different gemstones exhibit the wide range of colors. Some appear to be distinct while others are part of the various optical phenomena demonstrated under the light. The color shown in the showroom should be the same as shown in the catalogue.

Gemstones of the same family may have two varieties—‘light’ and ‘very dark’ colors. The price usually varies depending on the versatility of the color. Look for hints revealing dyed parts and glass works inside the gemstone.

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In the big world of gemstones, no two stones are alike or comparable. Each gemstone comes with its own set of stories and use. However, there are some gemstones with uncanny resemblance when it comes to their structure, appearance and healing properties. The similarity is so obvious that the gemstones are called substitutes.

The same is true for Peridot gemstone, a widely accepted substitute for Emeralds. In fact, Peridot is often referred to as the “Evening Emerald”. It gained massive popularity following the celebrity status that Egyptian queen Cleopatra bestowed on it.

For very long time, peridot was sold as emerald till the gemologists established a clear distinction between the two gemstones.
 
Let us take a closer look at peridot before identifying it as a substitute for emerald gemstones.

The background story: An Overview on Peridot:

Peridot is basically a silicate gemstone belonging to the family of olivine. It is distinct from the rest of the olivine members by virtue of high concentration of magnesium ions in its structure. The following properties are associated with the period.

-  Orthorhombic crystal structure
-  Olive-green color, very similar to emerald
-  Glassy, lustrous appearance with refractive index of 1.66
-  Poor cleavage with Mohs hardness of 7

Peridot is often confused as a part of the emerald family due to its obvious green tinge and refractive index. In fact, even churches of the ancient order bestowed peridot with highest attributes.

How is Peridot different from emeralds?

Emerald is a beryl gemstone with the high concentration of chromium and vanadium ions. The green color is attributed to these ions. Compared to the peridot, emeralds showcase a totally different crystal structure. While peridot has an orthorhombic structure, emerald has hexagonal lattice arrangement.

Secondly, emeralds are harder than peridot. Peridot can be easily scratched by emerald which proves this fact. On Mohs scale, emerald has the hardness between 7.5 and 8.  Both emeralds and peridots have a lustrous appearance but emerald has a lower refractive index.

In terms of clarity, color and saturation, emeralds offer a wide range of variety ranging from yellow-green to bluish green and even white. While green is the primary hue of the emeralds, yellow and blue are also part of the collection. On the other hand, peridots are mostly available in yellow-green and dark green-brown shades. Blue-green peridots are very rare but still attributed as existing.

Is peridot a good substitute for emerald?

No, peridot and emerald are different gemstones. While emerald is the birthstone for the month of May, peridot is the birthstone for August. Peridot is commonly sold in the market with the names of olivine and chrysolite. While the sources of emeralds are mostly concentrated in the Asian sub-continent, peridot mines are more wide-spread geographically. Mysteriously, some of the peridot gems are even found to have an extra-terrestrial origin, which is not at all true for the emeralds.

Therefore, mixing up peridot as a substitute for the emeralds may not be a great thing to do. However, look-wise, both are equally dazzling and valuable with high commercial returns.

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Rubies, like all other gemstones, are evaluated on the basis of their color, clarity, carat and cut. Most buyers find it hard to distinguish between a natural ruby and an artificial one. Due to heavy market demands, the gemstone dealers often supply heat-treated rubies to the buyers. The heat treated rubies are brighter and are found to have less natural flaws. However, the healing properties that a ruby is known for are often missing in the artificial varieties.

Thus it is very important to understand what natural rubies look like, and learn how to distinguish them from the synthetic or heat-treated ones.

1.  Hardness test:

Natural rubies are virtually indestructible. With a hardness of 9.0 on Mohs scale, they are closest to diamonds in the gemstone family. They are hardly scratched and remain physically crack-proof for years. If the ruby is scratched by other gemstones, it is definite that the ruby has been artificially polished or irradiated to hide away blemishes.

2.  Asterism:

The rubies show a unique optical phenomenon not visible in other gemstones. Asterism, also called as the “Star effect”, is prominent in rubies cut in cabochons. Considering the fact that the natural rubies are the most stable form of aluminum silicates in the gemstone family, the star effect is rather very prominent. Asterism is mostly seen when a constant streak of light is passed through the gemstone, and it glows like a star. Asterism occurs due to the presence of natural impurities in the rubies. In Blue sapphires and pink rubies, this phenomenon is largely attributed to the Titanium oxide present in the crystal in the form of needles and rutile. Thus, a pure natural ruby is very hard to find, especially if the buyer is looking for a gemstone with flawless clarity.

Synthetic ones reveal only 5% of the star effect that is observed in a natural set.

3.  A size of the rubies:
 
Rubies are mostly available in standard sizes measuring 5mm x 3mm, 6mm x 4mm etc. However, this is only exclusive to rubies cut in oval shape. Calibrated cuts result in sizeable weight loss, which is often considered as a loss for the dealer. Thus, rubies are left uncut or at most given a round brilliant cut.

The size of the rubies decides the color maximization, brilliance, and clarity of the gemstone. Inclusions are often removed by grinding or faceting along the plane that contains the inclusion.

4.  Color test:

The finest rubies are neither pink nor red. They are more like scarlet shade, resembling the eye of the pigeon to be exact. However, rubies in other colors like red, orange, brown, burnt brown, grey, champagne, golden and tangerine are also found, and highly revered.

Depending on the hue, saturation, and tone of the color, the value of rubies is established.

5.  Misleading terms and genuine certificate:

Buyers are duped by sellers into buying rubies sold with dubious names like balas ruby and rubellite. Some glass crystals, spinels, and quartz are also marketed wrongly as rubies. The heat treatment test is best to identify the pure ruby. However, gem laboratories offer certificate on rubies to benefit the buyers. Always check it.

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Since ages, topaz has been referred to as a mystic stone owing to its connection with witch craft, sorcery and medicine. In ancient times, it was believed that topaz could cure lunacy and intoxication. A protection stone of sorts, the value of topaz has dropped significantly in recent years due to large scale focus on colored transparent gemstones like sapphires, rubies and diamonds. However, topaz gemstones still hold a commanding position in the market. Here are 5 factors that buyers must consider before making a deal on topaz gemstones.

1.  The color:

Like diamond, pure diamond is a transparent gemstone with a slight blue or pink tinge. The tint appears due to presence of many impurities in the gemstone. A typical topaz exudes vibrant colors like tangerine, yellow, citrine and reddish-orange.

Some topaz gemstones are also available in dark brown, green, champagne and reddish blue shades. Lighter the color of the topaz, older the gemstone’s origin is. For instance, the oldest topaz gemstone is a pale green rock that is at least 200 million years old. Stones older than that age are hard to extract owing to drastic change in the earth’s crust that has occurred since that period.

2.  Artificial colors and irradiation:

Colored topaz gemstones are very hard to find. In order to meet the demand from the market, natural gemstones are exposed to various heat treatments and artificial color enhancement process. One of them is gemstone irradiation.

According to the latest reports, the topaz is the most commonly irradiated gemstone in the market. Close to 6000 kilograms of topaz gemstones are irradiated each year.

The irradiation process of topaz is done by bombarding the crystal structure of the gemstone by neutrons in a nuclear furnace, under controlled conditions. The process produces vibrant play of color, mostly close to the blue spectrum.

Topaz gemstones that are irradiated artificially are observed to have smooth color stability and uniform clarity.

3.  Pleochroism:

Topaz gemstones exhibit a very special optical phenomenon called pleochroism. The best way to identify a pure topaz is to look for this particular optical phenomenon under UV radiation.

When held against a constant source of light, the topaz gemstone tends to change its color when rotated along different planes, Blue topaz gemstone demonstrates the highest level of pleochroism, shifting its color between pale pink and light blue. At certain angles, the gemstone even tends to lose its color and appears as glass/silica structure.

4.  Best cuts:

Topaz gemstone ranks very high on the Mohs scale. It has a hardness factor of 8.0 which means that it can’t be easily scratched or cut. It is cut only by diamond cutters and abrasive pads. The most preferred topaz gemstone cuts that have maximum resale value are:

-  Ovals
-  Marquis
-  Pear
-  Heat briolette
-  Emerald Cuts
-  Step-cut/Faceted cube

For anniversary and engagement collections, the topaz gemstones with fancy cut are also very popular. The ideal size is usually 10x8 mm which is around 3 carats. Smaller gemstones are usually available in Brilliants and Princess Cut designs.

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Every gemstone is sold on the basis of carat. The carat is a unit of weight like gram, kilogram, ton etc. However, due to the small size and different factors involved in the evaluation of the gemstones, they are sold on per-carat basis. It is wrongfully referred to as a unit of size. Two gemstones with same size can have different carat numbers, and vice versa. It should not be confused with the word Karat used to measure the fineness of gold.

Let us define how gemstones are measured and sold for their value on per-carat basis.

What is carat?

Carat (ct.) is derived from the Latin word carato or carob. Gemstones in ancient times were cut in a way that they resembled the seeds of carob. Even during the classical times, there was a clear distinction between the definition of carat and karat. Carat values were different for different countries as there was no international standard of measurements.

The first instance of using carat as a unit of measurement is recorded in 1570s. The diamonds, for obvious reason was the first gemstone to be calibrated on carat basis.

In 1880, the value of carat was approximately 3.17 grains. In European countries, two carat values were established to measure faceted hearts and faceted squares. They were:

-  Pound carat
-  Ounce carat

In UK, the popular carat value was called the Refiner’s carat. In terms of milligrams, the value of carat shuffled between 180 mg and 220 mg across the world.

Why was carat standardized?

There are two reasons that led to standardization of the carat value.

1.   The growth of commercial gemstone industry:

Gemstones till World War II were largely mined from the European colonies in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, China, Africa and South America. The traders had difficulty in buying different sized gemstones from traditional sellers. In order to establish uniformity of business, the carat value was officially standardized.

2.    Creating new cut and facets:

As the new cuts and fancy faceting techniques arrived in the industry, it became necessary to establish a standard value for carat. It ensured that the wastage of gemstone was minimized to a bare minimum. In case, the gem cutter erred in cutting the gemstone, he/she could be fined accordingly on per-carat wastage.

The carat standardization has reduced conflicts and confusions between traders of the gemstones across the world.
What are the different forms of jewelry that use carat as unit of measurement?

Gemstones are used in various jewelry items. The use of carat is common in trading of diamonds, emeralds, garnet, rubies, sapphires, topaz and other transparent gemstones. The various forms of jewelry are:

-  Anklets
-  Earrings
-  Bracelets
-  Belly chain
-  Navel ring
-  Brooch
-  Collar pink
-  Cufflinks
-  Lapel pin
-  Pendant
-  Tie clip
-  Toe ring
-  Watches
-  Belt buckle
-  Pens and glasses

No matter where the gemstone is used, the carat value will remain same.

Finding the perfect engagement ring is an arduous task. There are more than 50 different types of gemstone cuts and facet designs that can be picked during the engagement ring shopping. Top faceting like Briolette, faceted heart, faceted cube, step-cut, rose cut and Asscher cut are some of the best aspects that can be explored.

Here are 5 engagement ring cuts that will never go out of any season.

1.  Single Cut:

Often regarded as the oldest gemstone cutting idea, Single Cut is made of diamonds, topaz, aquamarine, emeralds, rubies and garnet that are set on gold and platinum engagement ring bands. The Single Cut is characterized by a rather large table and a flat or pointed cutlet, with a total of 18 facets.

Single Cut is chosen for medium-sized gemstones that weigh less than 3 carat.

2.  Modern Round Brilliants:

Modern Round Brilliants have been the favorite Engagement ring designs for over a century now. Done to exaggerate the color shade and brilliance of the gemstone, Modern Round Brilliants are now considered as the standard cuts all over the world.

The Modern Brilliants have an alluring round bottom with a total of 58 facets on the stone. Some diamonds and emerald gemstones also have oval cuts.

3.  Rose cut:

The first Rose Cut Engagement ring appeared in the 1500s, and since then it has remained a steady choice for the royals and aristocrats. A rose cut engagement ring gemstone resembles the floret pattern of the rose flower with narrow spirals growing upwards from a rather flat bottom.

Rose cut settings are mounted on open solitaire way with large surface area. Due to its larger surface area, the brilliance is rather subdued. Round brilliants gemstone are derived from the rose cut settings, ensuring brighter and more brilliant appeal.

4.  Asscher Cut:

The biggest gift of the 20th century to the gemstone cutting industry is the Asscher Cut. Produced by Asscher Brothers of the Netherlands, the cut is the symbolic representation of the rise of European gemstone cutting industry in the 1900s. Asscher Cut gained prominence in diamond cutting industry after The Cullinan was cut. Between 1996 and 2012, Asscher Cuts have been embraced with greater respect owing to changes in the designs.

The modern Asscher cuts are made on smaller gemstones with square Faceted cubes and emerald-cut designs. The larger step-cuts are often accompanied by a rather larger crown and narrow table.

Loved for its perfect symmetry, the Asscher cut gemstones have a Length to Width (L/W ratio of 1:1. Modern Asscher Cut engagement rings also feature a skewed L/W ration of 1.05 and 1.1 too. Owing to the larger, open-ended facets, the Asscher cut gemstone exude a clear and more dazzling brilliance.

5.  Heart:

A diversification of the Brilliants, Heart cut is a lovable addition to the collection of Engagement rings gemstones. In these gemstones, the symmetry is the most important aspect as the two lobes have to look identical. It is usually favored if the weight of the gemstone is less than 1 carat.

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Since centuries, some gemstones have always been categorized as hot and cold? Are they really that vibrant that wearer can actually experience rise and drop in the temperature of their body? Scientifically, it is proven that some gemstones are indeed special when it comes to exhibiting properties like Piezoelectric Effect, Fluorescence, and Iridescence (also known as gonio-chromism).

While the gemstones are revered for their sparkling beauty and flawless sparkle, here are 5 delectable stones that are actually embraced for their “cooling effect”.

1.  Diamond:

One of the costliest rocks on the planet, the diamond was brought into the picture by the ancient Indian gem designers for their cooling effect. The now coolest stone is a fashion winner, and no jewelry collection is complete without these stones. Available in briolette, cushion cut hearts and step-cut designs the diamond is the conventional Birth Stone for the month of April.

In Greek, diamonds are referred to as “invincible”, and the cooling effect only makes it a lucky charm for every individual—housewife, businessmen,  traders, sailors, doctors and religious leaders.

2.  Ruby:

Numerous studies are underway when it comes to establishing the connection between wearing the faceted cube rubies bracelet and soothing down the nerves. The fiery red color could confuse any person who is not aware of the healing properties of the rubies. As per research, the Chromium ion (Cr3+) exudes an optically-powered cooling effect which could easily lower the temperature by several degrees if purity and aesthetic values are maintained.

3.  Sapphire:

Obviously, much like its red counterpart, the rubies; sapphires too have the special cooling effect. The Birthstone for the month of September, Sapphire has always been associated with the moon for its coolness and tranquility. However, the underlying scientific reason for its dermal cooling phenomenon is yet to be established and confirmed clinically.
 
The effect is likely to be attributed to the presence of iron, chromium, magnesium and copper. Blue sapphires have the higher cooling effect than the pink and yellow shades.

The cooling effect is one of the healing properties of the sapphire that makes it effective in the treatment of ear pain, back pain, lumbago, Parkinson’s disease and depression.

4.  Topaz:

Now this something not many gemstone collectors knows about the Topaz. A regular item in Ayurveda, the gemstone was used to treat tongue infections, sexual dysfunctions, improve vision and purify the blood. Used with rubies and pearl extracts, the calx of topaz also effective treats symptoms associated with leprosy, skin disorders and blisters on elbows and palms.

5.  Aquamarine:

A gemstone from the beryl family, Aquamarine beads is a beryl that has been used in Ayurveda to treat coughs and throat related issues. The blue color of Aquamarine is attributed to the Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. The concentration of the ions can produce other colors like green, yellow and even pink. However, only blue beryl in the form of Aquamarine are used in the form of dew-drop briolette, faceted round or nugget shapes.

These 5 gemstones can be worn around the neck, wrist, or around the waist. Some individuals even prefer to stud their eyeglasses with these gemstones for extra cooling effect.

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Facing and cutting results in sizeable loss of crystal material. However, without the faceting process, the raw gemstones will hold no commercial value whatsoever. A diamond with exquisite faceting has at least 400% more value than a raw, dark rock. However, more than anything else, it is the choice of cut that earns the gemstone its repute in the collection.

Here are 3 top-end fancy cuts that every buyer must explore.

Modified brilliants:

They modified brilliants are recent entrants in the collection of fancy-cut gemstones. They are direct descendants of the original brilliant-cut gemstone. They differ from their older sibling by virtue of having an extra row of facets. They look like a crushed ice crystal owing to the half-length pavilion that does not touch the girdle.

Cheaper than the original cushion cut brilliant gemstones, the modified gemstones is preferred only when there is a distinct flaw in the crystal at a particular angle. The modified brilliant cut hides the flaw by resembling a floral shape.

Regarded as the most commercially saleable cut in the industry, the modified brilliants can be further classified into Marquis, Hearts, Trillions and Briolette depending on the size of the raw gemstone. They have a length to width ratio ranging between 1.33 and 1.66, making them look heavier and bigger compared to other cuts. Moreover, the Modified Brilliants can be developed further into intricate shapes of stars, floral and butterflies, without affecting the brilliance and fire interplay.

Modified brilliants can have 56, 102 or 144 facets with 8-fold or 10-fold facets.

Step cuts:

Gemstones that resemble a cube or dice are very popular. The most alluring shape is the faceted cube that exhibits a square or a rectangular outline with facets running parallel to the girdle. Also called the Trap cut gemstones, these step cuts are produced by making flat stepped incisions on the stone. They could feature rows or series of steps in a narrow, long plane.

The popular gemstones that are often given a step-cut are topaz, emerald, amethyst, agate, and tourmaline gemstones.

How to identify a genuine step-cut gemstone? In step-cut gemstones, the corners are often truncated into an octagonal contour to avoid sharp edges from cutting skin. Moreover, the truncated outline prevents the gemstones from cracking up. In theory, sharp edges are point of weakness that can lead to cleave or a fracture. The length to width ratio is 1.50.

Step-cut gemstones are often re-cut into smaller brilliants and briolette shapes to bring in more revenue per-carat.

Mixed Cut:

Also called the hybrid cushion cuts, the mixed cut gemstones reveal fascinating features of both Brilliants and the Ste-cut gemstones.  The crown resembles a brilliant cut, with a pavilion that is cleaved in step-cut. The first mixed cut gemstone was produced in the middle of the Cold War when Brilliants were temporarily replaced by Fancy cuts in Step-cut and briolette designs.

The popular Mixed Cut is the Barion Cut, invented by a South African trader. With a total of 62 facets, it can be easily identified from the rest of the collection.

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