Guide To Different Gemstone Settings

With over a hundred gemstone groups to choose from and thousands of colours to pick, there is only one thing that comes to rescue when you are looking for an immaculate personalized item for collection. Simple gem settings like halo, paves and prongs have been in the gemstone market for centuries and still continue to rule. If you are looking for an engagement ring or a ring for men, you should be able to identify and distinguish between different gem setting types available in the market.
Here is how different gems are set in distinctive pieces of beauty and grace.

  • Prongs and Solitaire settings

This is the engagement ring gem setting preferred for a single stone encrusted or fixed on a metal band or ring. Prong setting for diamonds, rubies, amethyst, garnet, sapphires and topaz is very common as it folds the single stone in place tightly without using too much metal.
Prongs are claw-like holders that can be further classified as:

  • Pointed prongs
  • V-shaped
  • Flat
  • Hooked

V-shaped prong gem setting features exclusively in princess-cut solitaires. It allows more light to pass through the gemstone, magnifying the radiance and brilliance many times over.

  • The Tiffany

The Tiffany gem setting model was conceived by the famous gem makers, Tiffany & Co. in 1886. It is a special type of six-prong gem setting that features a discrete knife-like edge over the shaft and the prongs. It is a patented gem setting exclusively to the brand.
Bezel Setting
Bezel setting for gems is undoubtedly the most preferred look for modern day buyers, especially those who are looking for light coloured stones. It is easy to handle and gives sturdy protection to delicate gemstone settings. The metal rim encircles the gemstone from all sides, and secures it tightly. The rim prevents the rock from three things:

  • Deposition of dirt
  • Scratches due to uneven setting
  • Unsettling of the stone even in thinnest of rim
  • Tension Setting

Tension setting is used for the gemstone when the craftsman wishes to give it a suspended look. The gem rests on the metal band as if it were suspended across the two faces of the shank. It is achieved through lasers and is a high-precision gem setting technique. The band usually has thin grooves so that the gemstone is tightly secured at its place due to the tension of the metal band.
It is comparatively cheap despite its elaborate and complex setting style. It can be used as an added feature even with regular gem setting looks like bezel and pronged ones.

  • Channel Setting 

Channel setting is done for smaller and thinly cut gemstones. It is often done to secure smaller gems set on a band in series. It is very similar to what a flush setting looks like. The gems like rubies, diamonds and topaz are set closely together over the grooves on the channel. Popular styles like stacks and bands are used for thin gemstones as they can’t be set in prongs and bezels.

A look at popular Types of Gemstones

The most tempting feature about wearing a gem is that it can be cut and set into many distinct and beautiful shapes and settings. Popular gem retailers offer enticing options when it comes to stone settings. Be it an engagement ring or a ring for an anniversary, there is a stone setting style for each occasion. You can consider the following combination of settings for your diamond or emerald-encrusted ring and jewellery assortment.

  • Pave Set
  • Four prong
  • Six prong
  • Multiple prong
  • Full Bezel
  • Half Bexel/ Semi bezel
  • Flush
  • Millegrain pave set
  • Channel Set

Four, Six and Multiple prongs

Four prongs is a very popular form of gem setting that is done on lighter stones. It is employed for gems to allow maximum light refraction. Prongs on the gemstones resemble claws that are bent around the centre stone at equal distances. Four prong gem setting accommodates gems of all shapes and sizes. The popular shapes that are set with four prong style are:

  • Princess cut
  • Medicine wheel cut for sapphire
  • Round brilliant cut
  • Carved leaf rings

Six prong is a more protective gem setting style similar to four prongs, but with six claws. Multiple prongs on the other hand is used for smaller gems that require more support especially when encrusted on lighter metal bands or rings. It has multiple claws, usually in the series of 2s, 3s and 4s.

Full Bezel and half bezel

It is a royal gem setting style that is done on centre stones that are deeply encrusted into a combination metal or any other material. It protects the gemstone that are embedded into and encircled by metal. Emeralds, amethyst, garnet and turquoise are set in full bezel and accommodate shapes in square, oval and flat faces.

Semi-bezel is exclusively made for diamond rings weighing more than 4 carats. It allows maximum light penetration at all angles as compared to the same stone set in full bezel. Conventionally, bigger the gemstone, greater are the chances that it would be set in semi bezel.

Flush sets

Flush set is used for gemstones of darker hue like garnets, amethyst, lapis lazuli and onyx. Moonstones, rubies, cat stones and diamond are other rocks that are conveniently accommodated in flush sets. It is styled on bands and pendants slightly lower than the surface of the base material to protect them from damages and scratches. They resemble an encrusted wall.

Pave sets: Conventional and Mille grained

Gemstones paved on a metal base are placed very close to each other and separated by thin frames. The little beads of metals keep the smaller gemstones from detaching under force or fall. It also allows adjustment of gemstones when the metal expands due to heat. It is preferred for diamonds and rubies cut in bead or cushion sets.

Pave sets with mille grains are done for beaded gemstones to harmonize with traditional paves. It is usually employed for diamond rings set in royal antiquated designs.

What is the meaning of seeing a Gemstone in Dreams?

Every dream has a realty lurking around its existence. The meaning of gems appearing in your dreams has a rather significant importance. It could be a signal to your never ending misery or an intuitive insight into an upcoming opportunity. Whenever you see a dream with gemstones in it, there is a relevant meaning mentioned in Bible and religious scriptures written all round the world.

Here are some gemstones that carry a group and an individual meaning when they emerge in dreams.

  • Pearl: Freedom from misery and entry into Heavens

Pearl is a symbol of clarity and purity. It is associated with the truth in life. If you see pearl beads in your dreams, you are likely to experience a new spiritual high in life very soon. It could come in the form of love, hope or an inviting opportunity to go abroad on business. In Biblical notes, seeing pearl in dreams indicates an entry through the Gateways into the Kingdom of God on account of your good deeds, merciful behaviour and devoutness towards the Lord.

  • Jade

Jade often make an entry into your dreams when you are troubled by relationship issues or are marred by poor health. If you are ailing with a chronic disease and given all hope of recovering from it, jade comes as a saviour and a guardian angel. After you see jade in your dreams, you can start wearing it. You can tuck the gemstone under your pillow. The closer this gem stays with you greater will be your hope and chances of recovering from any trouble in life.

  • Sapphire

Blue sapphire weighing less than 3 carats has always been associated with strength and beauty. Dreaming about sapphire is not that common. It is often witnessed by women expecting a baby. It could mean that whether they have conceived or are ready to deliver a baby. It also means that the time is ripe that they adorn a sapphire stone to ensure protection against evils that could inflict any harm on her new born child.

  • Diamonds

Diamonds in dreams have many ambiguous associations. It is one of the most common gems to appear in the dreams, probably because of its significance in life.  It could be an indication of stifling greed within a human that requires to be quenched. It could also signify that you are about to receive something invaluable in life. Since every person has different definition for success, seeing diamonds in dreams could also mean different degrees of effect in life.

  • Emeralds

This is one of the most distinct gemstone to appear in dreams. It often appears as green crystals and glow balls in dreams. Common among individuals involved in professions related to eco-system protection, mariners and sportsmen, emeralds relate to love for unique hobbies and activities. Gardeners, zoo-keepers and deep sea divers often experience dreams with emeralds in them. Spiritual meaning behind this experience is that you are going to have a challenging life with lot of adventures and thrill.

A look at top 5 Father's Day Gemstones for Men

Gemstones are not limited in their use as the quintessential stylish accessories for women. Even men love to adorn them over their fingers, around their wrists and as piercings on different parts of the body. For years, gemstone rings and collectible items are considered as the ideal gifts for men-oriented events. Be it an engagement, wedding anniversary, birthday event or Valentine’s Day. Looking for gems for men on special occasions like Father’s day? You can shop through some of the most enticing collection of gemstones in the market listed below.

  • The Blue Aura: Lapis Lazuli

Men have a special connection with the colour, Blue. Lapis lazuli is the most loved gemstone among men. For Father’s day, rings and mullets engraved with the Lapis Lazuli stone are considered as a potent gifting option for men. The stone is encrusted over silver bracelets or platinum rings. Wild gold is another preferable option for woman choosing lapis lazuli as a gifting option for her man.

  • The Garnet Clan

Most natural gemstones have a family. If you are looking for an exquisite option for men, garnet offers a whole clan to choose from. You can opt from the following set of garnet gem for men.

  • Pyrope
  • Almandine
  • Spessartite
  • Grossular
  • Andradite

For men who love exclusivity, you have a sixth option- Uvarovite, which is the rarest form of garnet.
The best part about gifting garnet gems to men is the “Gentleman’s Tag” they come with. They don’t look gawky or too flashy even when worn over formal attires. Hard, brilliant and long-lasting: this is the perfect gift for men who love to shuttle between the tough courses of life with a laid back attitude.

  • The Green Magic: Jadeite

More popularly referred to as Jade, this gem is another impressive gifting option for men on special occasions. It is also called as Lapis nephriticius and is believed to be the alternative for nephrite gems. With Mayan connection behind its use, adorning Jadeite is a symbol of perfection and flamboyance. The colour is lighter than a regular emerald. It ranges between a pale apple green to blue-green shade. Olmec Blue Jadeite is the most loved gem for men, usually presented on Father’s Day.

  • Fire Opal: The Impressive Rock

Also called the “Stone of the Paradise Bird”, Fire Opal is stunning, charismatic and unique owing to its yellow, orange and red mosaic look. These are handful of adjectives reserved exclusively as a package for Fire Opal. 4Strong body colour and hardness, the stone is a symbolic representation of wild lovers and achievers. They don’t have brilliance to boast about, but the characteristic fiery appeal magnifies when worn over a gold bracelet.

  • Kashmir Blue Sapphire

Elegant and royalty is bestowed on the person who wears Kashmir Blue Sapphire It is said that the ring chooses the man, and not the man. Gifting a 3 carat Kashmir blue sapphire is to a man as a solitary diamond rock is for a woman; The Best Friend.

A look at Top 4 Untreated Gemstones

Finding a natural gemstone is very rare. Most of the stones you get in the market is either treated or manufactured synthetically using heat and chemical treatments. The difference between the natural and treated gemstones is negligible, but it still matters. Why? A naturally occurring stone extracted from the earth’s crust or carved out of caves will have a higher price than the ones that are either treated or manufactured artificially.

Looking for untreated gemstones? Here are few enticing aspects on how gems are treated and how to identify them.

Gems that are often treated to look natural

Heat treatment and coating with oxides are the two common applications involved in gemology. Gemstones that are commonly treated to achieve the impeccable finish and attraction are;

  • Ruby
  • Sapphire
  • Blue Topaz
  • Blue Zircon
  • Blue Apatite
  • Emerald

Emerald stones are treated with resins to fill up the voids and cracks while sapphire is often treated with beryllium in hot conditions.  Natural gemstones have fractures and cracks which are often filled with lead glass to look perfectly smooth. Untreated gemstones with smooth finish and unblemished appeal are very rare and often kept for collection display.

Top Untreated gemstones: Unprecedented demand for Imperfection!  

 

As per gemology, natural untreated gemstones have a powerful influence on its healing properties. Unadulterated gemstones are known to produce positive results in life, while the treated ones often fail to deliver as promised. Here are some top gemstones that are in huge demand for their untreated appearance.

  • Spinel

It is naturally hard, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale. It is linked to the Fire element and retains its clarity and strength even after passing through refinement process. Spinel occurs in multiple hues and is preferred in its natural untreated version owing to the uncanny resemblance to sapphire and rubies. Popular shades of untreated spinel gemstones are:

  • Red spinel
  • Orange
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Violet
  • Silver
  • Mandarin Garnet

Orange Spessartite is one of the most popular gemstones that require no artificial treatment. It has a brilliant appearance with respectable hardness. It can be cut into smaller shapes and often fitted into rings and amulets. Another gemstone from garnet family that does not require any treatment is the Rhodolite Garnet. This stone exudes a mix of red, purple and burnt brown shade. The luminous gem is used in fashion, jewellery and decors.

  • Tourmaline

If you are looking for variety in untreated gem category, go for tourmaline. It is loved for its slippery show. Blessed with clear cuts and no fractures, large sized stones can be availed at affordable prices. It is one of the best-selling untreated stones in Asian, African and European markets.

  • Peridot

Peridot is a blemish-free, unadulterated gemstone that occurs only in one colour-Green. It can’t be modified by any heat or chemical treatment. Best-selling varieties are Burmese, Pakistani and Arizonian Peridot, prized at USD 20 per carat.

Other untreated gems you can try are chrysoberyl, Mali garnet and Precious Opal.

A look at Top 7 Anniversary Gemstones

Celebrate the special moments in life with elegant items. What better than the exquisite rock pieces for every anniversary of togetherness! There are thousands of different varieties of gemstones, but only a handful of them are actually called Anniversary Gemstones. Gemstones are not only precious items of collection, they also have special meaning when gifted to your loved ones. Be it the first anniversary or the Golden Jubilee, gifting an Anniversary gemstone is truly a step towards eternal companionship.

Here are 7 anniversary gemstones that are not just auspicious, but also unique, brilliant and of course, special in their own way.

  • Garnet

Garnet is available in multiple colours. It is the 2nd anniversary gemstone. The most preferred stone for gifting on the anniversary is Red Garnet. Other options are yellow, green and pink garnets. This hard stone can be used in amulets, rings, lockets and in beaded necklace form. Red garnet blends well with white metals like silver, white Gold and platinum.

  • Pearl

Both natural and cultured pearls display clarity of thoughts and transparency in relationship. Gifting natural pearl on an anniversary event is known to transform the relationship into an everlasting companionship. Just like the mollusc converts the sand gravels and pebbles into a beautiful pearl, the gemstone is used as an anniversary to convert challenges into improvement.

  • Sapphire

Blue sapphire is the choicest anniversary gemstone for the fifth year celebration. Other shades are equally auspicious like pink, white and violet shades. Untreated sapphire is not preferred as it has fractures and blemishes in its structure. For anniversary purpose, sapphire stone manufactured using heat treatment and diffusion is fitted into rings and beaded necklaces.

  • Diamond

Yes, the woman’s best friend is also a prominent anniversary gemstone. Diamond rings weighing 3 carats and more is a part of anniversary collection for celebrating 10 years of togetherness. Engagement and wedding rings with diamond studs are obvious winners. 60th anniversary is referred to as the “Diamond Jubilee.”

  • Ruby

If you are looking for a symbolic gemstone that represents love, compassion and genuineness, ruby is the apt anniversary stone. It is gifted on 15th anniversary. With a decade and a half of togetherness between you, your partner definitely deserves to own a heavy red ruby stone as a token of achievement.

  • Onyx

Do you wish to gift something to your man? Well, onyx is a popular gemstone used in men’s jewellery. Big onyx stones accentuated by diamond cuts and encrusted on metallic rings make up for a formidable anniversary gift. It is the 8th anniversary gemstone and a stylish trend.

  • Emerald

A variety of the beryl, emerald is an enticing gift for centennial celebrations. If your partner is ruled by planet Mercury and born under the zodiac of Taurus or Cancer, this is the most suitable gift for a major event in life. It soothes the nerves before a mega event and of course looks beautiful and engaging.

Other gemstone options for anniversary are amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Chrysobery, jade, Citrine, Aquamarine and Peridot.

How Gemstone Are Classified?

Gems are one of the most intriguing items of collection. For centuries, they have been extracted from deepest crevices and darkest caves. There are many ways of classifying the gemstones. Most of the gemstones belong to the family of minerals which are classified as per their chemical composition, crystalline structure and presence of impurities.

Here is a smart list of principles about how gemstones are generally classified.

  • Minerals and Non-mineral gemstones

Mineral gemstones are more popular and commercially acceptable classification. Non-mineral gemstones are placed in the minority list owing to their organic nature. For example, the non-mineral gemstones include:

  • Pearl
  • Amber
  • Sea Coral
  • Petrified Wood
  • Jet
  • Ammolite
  • Copal
  • Petoskey stone
  • Nacre
  • Bone

Pearl, obviously is the most fascinating non-mineral organic gemstone in the list.

  • Natural and Artificial

From a collector’s point of view, this is the most basic classification of gemstones. It is not that hard to identify an artificial gemstone from the natural ones if you understand the physical properties well. Artificial are often placed in the categories of refined, treated gemstones. Owing to the improvement in technology and chemical products, it could be a difficult task to distinguish between an artificial and natural stone if you are buying it for the first time.

Some of the popular artificial/ synthetic gemstone varieties belong to:

  • Corundum
  • Zincite
  • Citrine
  • Spinel
  • Cubic zirconia            
  • Moissanite

Artificial varieties of sapphires, garnets, alexandrite, rubies and peridots are also available which can be distinguished based on UV radiation tests and hardness tests.

  • Gemstone Species

Based on the chemical composition of the gemstone, they are classified under the following categories:

  • Quartz
  • Beryl
  • Zircon
  • Opal
  • Zoisite
  • Corundum
  • Spodumene
  • Rocks and non-rocky gemstones

Some gemologists prefer to classy the gemstones as minerals and rocks. It is very similar to the non-mineral gemstone classification but includes only rocky constituents. Some of the most common rocky gemstones listed in the general classification are:

  • Bauxite
  • Soapstone
  • Anyolite
  • Tactite
  • Pallasite
  • Lapis lazuli
  • Epidosite

For example, lapis lazuli is classified as a rock as well as a semi-precious gemstone. The blue coloured stone is extracted from the mines in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Chile, Italy and Russia. Soapstone is also a metamorphic rock used for making steatite scarabs.

  • Precious and Semiprecious

Since 10th century AD, the gemstones are classified as precious and semi-precious items. Anything that demands a price tag of USD 100 per carat is precious. Depending on the gloss, flawless engineering and appeal, a precious stone can fetch higher price. It is a very crude way of classification though. Some semi-precious stones are prized at USD 1000 and above.
Semi-precious gemstones include:

  • Amethyst
  •  Citrine
  • Moonstone
  • Jasper
  • Garnet
  • Rose Quartz
  • Opal
  • Black onyx

There are many trade commission agencies around the world that now penalize the manufacturers of gemstone when they use the term ‘semi-precious’.

How to Choose Birthstones by Month - Part 2

We read how each month between January and July has a particular gemstone assigned as a birthstone in the part one of the article. Those born in the rest of the months of the year too have a special gemstone to adore. Let us explore these sets.

  1. Ruby for August

A July-born person is creative, dynamic and wise. Ruby birthstone for June month is a highly prized adornment considering its beauty, rarity and alluring brilliance. It symbolizes the fiery personality of the Cancerians. If you are looking for a delightful gifting option for a July-born person, ruby rings and amulets are uncompromising package. Rare, elegant and extremely tough, ruby gemstone pendants and rings last a lifetime.

  1. Peridot and Sarodnyx

The hazel coloured peridot is the birthstone for month of August. It is associated with mysticism and absolute happiness. If you are born in August and looking for trust in relationship, then wearing the Peridot amulet proves to be beneficial.

Alternate gemstone for August that you can wear with Peridot is Sardonyx- a fusion of pearl and garnet. It is a reddish brown stone with white bands running across its surface. Gemstones engraved with inscriptions, hymns and God-like figures are known to empower the adorner with supernatural power.

  1. Sapphire

Are you looking for a special for someone born in September? Sapphire, especially the Blue stone, symbolizes heavenly protection in difficult situations in life. The amulets and pendants of sapphire are most prized items available as birthstone rocks. Other colours that are gifted as birthstone range between purple, mauve and green. Yellow sapphire is also considered as an auspicious birthstone.

  1. Tourmaline and Opal

Individuals born in the month of October have two gemstones as gifting options. Both gemstones are immaculate in their own right. Tourmaline suits the feminine characteristic while opal balances masculine features. Tourmaline as a birthstone displays multiple shades but watermelon tourmaline is the most popular item. Beads and pendants of tourmaline in green, white, pink and red colours look dapper and pristine as birthstone gifts.
Opal, on the other hand, is a sombre birthstone for October-born individuals. White opal combined with gold metal is a smart accessory that not only imparts spiritual healing but also doubles up as elegant fashion jewellery.

  1. Topaz and Citrine

November is one of the colder months of the year. Why not set the temperatures soaring with a fiery birthstone gift! Topaz is richly gem that is associated with the individuals born in the month of November. It is an antique piece of jewellery when worn over gold and silver. Pink topaz is one of the largest selling birthstones followed by topaz in yellow, orange and purple shades. Stones weighing 3 carats are ideal gifting sets.
Citrine is a healing birthstone for November. Yellow matte Cristine is an affordable gemstone, especially if it is sourced from mines of Brazil, Spain and Bolivia. When it comes to look, no other gemstone beats the elegance of a dark orange citrine.

  1. December

Those born in the last month of the year have three gemstones to adorn. They are Violet-blue tanzanite, golden red Zircon and turquoise. Turkish stone for December is the costliest birthstone ever sold as a December gift item.

How To Choose Birthstones By Month - Part 1

For centuries, the natural gemstones and crystals have been associated with the zodiac signs and the birth month of a person. Depending on the birth date, there are many personalized gemstone jewellery and accessories that are known to protect, empower and even transform life. Often used as rings, pendants and amulets, the birthstones for each month have a special significance in the modern day jewellery collections for personal use or as a gift for someone special.
Let us take a look at the 6 popular gemstones that are used as birthstones for the months between January and July.

  1. Garnet

Directly associated with the AQUARIUS, garnet is recommended as a birthstone for January. It empowers the individual with courage, wisdom and health. In the cold month of January, wearing the garnet exudes warmth and cosy comfort. It is available in all the colours you see in the rainbow. Red garnet is the most preferred January birthstone item.
Alternate Stone: Rose Quartz
Rose quartz is considered as equally effective in shielding the wearer if he/she is born in January. Lighter the shade, stronger is its healing power.

  1. Amethyst

Amethyst was one of the first birthstones to be used in Western world. Often worn by warriors and kings, amethyst keeps you safe from intoxicating effects of drug and relationships.  Mauve amethyst is the perfect combination of tranquillity, serenity and power. Purple amethyst symbolizes royalty and is the primary source of wealth and fortune.
Alternate stone: Pearl

  1. Aquamarine

Those who are born in the month of March are bestowed with unfathomable courage and eternal sense of hope. Aquamarine birthstone for March is a clear blue-green beryl that derives its name from the sea water.
Alternate stone: Bloodstone jasper
Bloodstone Jasper with fiery colour shades of red, orange and yellow is also adorned as birthstone for the month of March.

  1. Diamond

Diamond is the hardest known naturally occurring gemstone. It proves lucky for those born in the month of April.  It is worn to enhance inner strength. Considered as an ideal gift for anniversaries and festivals, this birthstone for month of April is good for couples married in the month.

  1. Emerald

Emerald is the symbol of rebirth known to bequeath the wearer with eternal fortune. It is a very influential stone for those born in May. If you are expecting a baby in the May, wearing the birthstone for May month will grant your child with nourishment, protection and beauty. The first account of using the emerald gem as a birthstone is found as inscriptions on tombs and sarcophagus of Egyptian pharaohs. The best quality birthstone emeralds are mined from the quarries of Afghanistan, Zambia, Colombia and Braazil.

  1. Pearl

For those born in the month of June, pearl is the perfect gemstone to adorn. You can also wear Alexandrite and moonstone of multiple colours for added effect. Natural pearls are embraced as they are pure and exude brilliant gloss. It is the only gemstone that has an organic origin.

How Concave Cut Gemstones is made?

There was a time when gem cutters sliced the gemstones as cabochons. The concave cut gemstones have always been very popular since 12th century when the concept of faceted rocks came into the picture. Improved machining tools and techniques since 16th century made it possible for the gem cutters to develop horizontal cutting wheel that created elaborate designs and geometric schemes. Concave cut gemstones in recent times have been produced using 3-dimensional LASER Cutting tools for precision touch.

Here are 5 enticing facts about the gemstone cutting technology used to manufacture them.

The Technology: Concave gemstones in facet cut

The flat symmetrical cut made on the gemstones to achieve 58 facets was always in a vogue. Richard Homer redefined the way gems could be cut to create brilliant effects. Though Homer is believed to be the father of concave cut gemstone idea, it was American lapidary artist Douglas Hoffman patented the technology of producing concave cut gemstones using 3-D.

Concave cut: Why it is made

The gemstone is cut into cone-shaped with 3-d facets with a distinct length and breadth on the surface. The pavilion facets are often cut in concave curves with flat facets sitting over the crown. It results in brilliant reflective patterns, particularly when the gemstone is viewed from top.

One of the advantages of cutting the gem into concave shape is that the light is evenly reflected through it. It creates a homogenous effect unlike any other cut.  The glow exudes from the internal structure and radiates a more uniform blush.

Moreover, the concave cut is a 3-D cutting method. It results in equal radiance when viewed from all angles. It creates depth on the conical facet of the gem resulting in added brilliance and alacrity from commercial point of view. Using the concave facet cutting technique minimizes hot spots from appearing when manufacturing fancy shapes like opal, pear and marquise. It is also the best way to eliminate the colour zoning effect that often mars the light coloured gemstones of bigger size.
Third advantage of having a gemstone cut in concave pattern is that even the smallest of light falling on it is exuded brilliantly. It automatically translates to higher likeability.
Cost of cutting a gemstone in concave style is more economical and time-saving than other methods.

Limitations of using concave cuts

Not all gemstones available in the market are suitable for concave cut. As a thumb-rule, only large sized concave gemstones are known to emit brilliant results when compared to the smaller ones. Also, if the gemstone is light in colour, it is preferred for concave cut over darker shades. Mathematically, using the concave facet cut enhances the colour tone by 25 percent.

Gemstones that transform beautifully when given a concave cut are:

  • Quartz
  • Citrine
  • Topaz
  • Fluorite
  • Aquamarine
  • Amethyst

Gemstones that are least preferred for this cut are:

  • Sapphires
  • Rubies
  • Red Spinel

As expertise improves, concave gemstones are likely to rule the market in coming years.