From Classic to Contemporary: The Evolution of Amethyst Cuts

Amethyst Cut

Amethyst Cut: From Traditional to Innovative

For amethyst enthusiasts, there’s always a pressing question: which cut is the favorite? Or perhaps, what kind of cut should one choose for the new amethyst or earrings they’ve been eyeing for ages? This guide on amethyst cuts aims to assist in making that decision, be it for personal jewelry or a cherished gift. Essential considerations include budget, desired , and the occasion for the jewelry.

Technical Considerations

Whether destined to become earrings or a piece of gemstone art, selecting an appropriate amethyst cut follows a similar process. This is true whether dealing with lab-created amethyst rough or a natural crystal.

First, gem cutters choose the amethyst piece they wish to work with. Sometimes, they’ll select a relatively opaque gem, which may be turned into tumbled specimens, beads, or cabochons. High-quality gems are cut to highlight the amethyst’s color and hue. AAA quality amethysts often find their way into jewelry where the purple gemstone is the focal point.

Cabochons Cutting Process

Cabochons, known for their round tops and minimal facets, are smoothed and polished stones. Certain gemstones, like opals and onyx, are typically made into cabochons as they do not easily allow light penetration. Crafting a cabochon brings out the beautiful patterns within these stones. Additionally, beads are often drilled to be strung together.

From Rough Amethyst to Amethyst Jewelry: Cutting Process

Rough amethyst with good clarity is generally faceted. A gem cutter, or lapidary, selects the rough, inspects it for flaws, and removes imperfections using a gem saw. The lapidary then decides on the optimal shape, striving to maximize the rough while maintaining cut quality.

Amethyst Geode

Next, the amethyst is shaped into a rough outline of the final product and “glued” to a stick for stability during the cutting process. Facets are then cut and smoothed, starting with the stone’s bottom and repeating the process for the top after polishing.

Once the amethyst is fully polished, it can be set into various jewelry pieces, including earrings, pendants, or even a stunning engagement ring.

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Natural versus Lab-created Amethyst

The primary difference between cutting natural and lab-created amethyst is the consideration of flaws. Lab-grown amethysts typically have fewer imperfections. When working with natural stones, the goal is to remove or conceal inclusions, like feathers and dark or large crystals, within the facets.

Describing Amethyst Cuts

Amethysts can be fashioned into any shape or cut style that diamonds or other gemstones can. Unlike diamonds, where lower quality stones are used industrially, amethysts might become beads or cabochons (as pictured below).

Amethyst Cabochon

This discussion focuses solely on faceted amethyst cuts. Note that the shape isn’t necessarily the primary concern; some shapes can be achieved with multiple cuts.

Step Cuts

Are you drawn to facets with parallel straight lines facing each other? That’s characteristic of a step cut. These cuts involve layering a stone with symmetry and squared-off angles. Here are some examples and reasons to choose them:

Amethyst Asscher Cut

Asscher Cut

This square-shaped step cut has its corners cut off for easier setting. Known as the “hall of mirrors,” it reflects light off each parallel facet back and forth, with light also emanating from the bottom.

Amethyst Emerald Cut

Emerald Cut

Similar to the Asscher cut, the emerald cut is an elongated version, featuring two longer parallel sides. The mitered corners prevent sharp points.

An emerald cut amethyst ring can beautifully elongate shorter fingers. Consider an emerald cut amethyst necklace for her birthday or special occasion.

Amethyst Baguette Cut

Baguette & Carre

Baguette and Carre cuts are simpler versions of the Asscher and emerald cuts. Baguettes have sharp corners and are more elongated, while Carres are sharp-cornered Asscher variants.

Brilliant Cuts

If you prefer cuts with a curved outline, consider brilliant cuts, which may also feature sharp points. Here are a few examples:

Amethyst Oval Cut

Oval

The oval cut essentially extends the round cut into an elongated shape. It boasts a sleek, contemporary appeal thanks to recent advancements in technology that modernized this cut. Currently, it’s very much in vogue.

Amethyst Cushion Cut

Cushion

Think of the cushion cut as a brilliant version of an Asscher cut but with rounded corners instead of mitered ones. This cut maintains a modern square shape and offers exceptional sparkle. A cushion cut amethyst ring is a fantastic choice for those seeking both sparkle and contemporary design. You might also consider a halo-style cushion cut amethyst diamond ring.

Amethyst Princess Cut

Princess

The princess cut merges the facets of brilliant cuts with the geometric precision of step cuts, featuring sharp corners. A princess cut amethyst and diamond ring is a perfect choice for a memorable birthday gift, while a princess cut amethyst wedding ring adds a touch of romance.

FAQs

Is natural amethyst different from lab-created amethyst?

Yes, there are differences between natural and lab-created amethyst. Natural amethyst forms in the earth’s crust, whereas lab-created amethyst is synthesized in a laboratory. Although they appear similar to the untrained eye, lab-created amethysts tend to have fewer inclusions than their natural counterparts.

Can amethyst be cut into any shape?

Amethyst can be fashioned into a variety of shapes using lapidary techniques. Popular cuts include oval, round, pear, cushion, emerald, and princess.

Which cut is best for an amethyst?

The emerald cut is highly popular for amethyst as it highlights the gemstone’s clarity and color, making it ideal for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. The round brilliant cut is also favored because it maximizes the gemstone’s sparkle and fire, making it perfect for earrings and pendants.

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