Cut is the shape of a cut and polished gemstone.

Gem cuts represent the meticulous craftsmanship carved into a rough gemstone to reveal its true glory. These exquisite details breathe enchanting life into each gem, transforming it into a mesmerising wearable object. Gemstones come in various shapes and sizes, each possessing its own unique charm and personality.

The cut of a gemstone refers to its outline shape and faceting style. Common shapes in coloured gemstones include round, oval, cushion, octagon, or pear, which are then faceted as brilliant, step cut, or a combination of both. The faceting style gives the gemstone its unique flair as it significantly influences its final brilliance and appearance.

A brilliant cut is designed to maximise a gem’s inner sparkle. Its facets radiate upwards from the bottom point and optimise the reflection and refraction of light within the gem. Although diamonds are often synonymous with the brilliant cut, this classic choice is perfect for any gemstone where you want to achieve a dazzling look. Alternatively, the step cut, known for its long facets that run parallel to the table of the gem, exudes elegance and timelessness. This style gained popularity during the Art Deco era in the early 20th century, with its emphasis on geometric shapes and symmetry. Not all gemstones showcase this faceting style as well as emeralds do.

Clarity is the presence and nature of the inclusions within a gem

Gemstones are cherished for their beauty, durability and rarity. While colour contributes to a gemstone’s allure and uniqueness, it is clarity that accentuates its resilience. In the world of gemmology, clarity delves into the presence and nature of inclusions and blemishes within a gemstone, unveiling its origin and journey. In a poetic twist, these marks embody each gemstone’s unique essence, making it uniquely yours.

A desirable gemstone will feature inclusions that don’t stand out too proudly but silently contribute to its beauty. Certain varieties of coloured gemstones increase in value due to specific clarity features, whilst too many inclusions will affect a gem’s transparency, brilliance, and even durability.

While the unaided eye can often glimpse a gemstone’s overall clarity, a magnifying loupe opens up a whole new world of exploration.

A certified report is an important document that testifies the identity and authenticity of your cut and polished gem.

When considering purchasing a gemstone, one important (albeit less glamorous!) factor is the gemmological certificate that comes with it. This is especially important when buying solitaire rings or jewellery featuring a significant gemstone.

Just as a passport defines our identity, a gemmological certificate is a comprehensive, laminated report that details the unique characteristics of a cut and polished gemstone. It’s important to note that it’s not intended to grade the quality or value of a gem, but rather, it’s a tool for objectively stating its identity, authenticity, geographic origin, and any treatments applied. These details should align with the seller’s claims, and the value offered should be in line with the market value of similar gems with the same characteristics, ensuring a fair and transparent transaction.