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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 ring 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 style, 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.
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.
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).
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:
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.
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.
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:
Round
The round cut features 57 facets at various angles, designed to maximize sparkle. This is one of the most popular cuts for many gemstones. At Artful Bracelets, we offer a diverse selection of round cut amethyst rings.
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.
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.
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?
Can amethyst be cut into any shape?
Which cut is best for an amethyst?
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