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written by gems origin Gemstone Shapes and Cuts: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gemstone Gemstones come in all shapes and sizes, and the cut of a gemstone can significantly affect its beauty and value. Specifically, the shape of a gemstone refers to its outline, while the cut refers to the angles and proportions of the facets. In this guide, we’ll not only explore the most popular gemstone shapes and cuts, but we’ll also provide helpful tips to assist you in choosing the perfect stone for your jewellery. Popular Gemstone Shapes Gemstone shapes refer to the physical outline of a gemstone, and they can be categorized into basic geometric shapes. With over 10 types of gemstone shapes, we’ll now introduce some of the most popular shapes, including those that are most commonly used in the industry. Round Shape Round gemstones are the most popular and classic shape. Notably, they’re often used for engagement rings and solitaire settings. Additionally, the round shape is very versatile and can be used for a variety of jewellery designs. Oval Shape The oval shape is similar to the round shape, but elongated. As a result, it’s a popular choice for engagement rings and earrings. Additionally, oval gemstones are often cut with a brilliant faceting pattern, which creates a lot of sparkle. Pear Shape The pear shape, also known as the “teardrop” shape, has one end pointed and the other rounded. This shape is often used for pendants and earrings. Additionally, because of its elongated shape and its pointed end, pear shape often looks bigger than the round at the same carat weight. Princess Shape The princess shape is a square or rectangular shape with pointed corners that has become a popular choice for engagement rings. Furthermore, it can also be used for pendants and earrings. Additionally, the princess shape is cut in a brilliant faceting pattern, which gives the shape a lot of sparkle. Cushion Shape The cushion shape, with its square or rectangular shape and rounded corners, is a vintage-inspired shape. Consequently, it’s often used for engagement rings and earrings. Emerald The emerald shape, with its rectangular shape and cut corners, is a classic shape that is often used for engagement rings. Additionally, the emerald shape is step cut, and has fewer facets than the brilliant cut. Nonetheless, it creates a unique, crisp and elegant look. Radiant The radiant shape, with its square or rectangular shape and trimmed corners, is a versatile shape that can be used for engagement rings, earrings, and pendants. Moreover, the radiant cut has a brilliant faceting pattern that creates a lot of sparkle. Popular Gemstone Cuts Gemstone cuts refer to the way a gemstone is shaped and polished to enhance its beauty and brilliance. These cuts are made by a skilled lapidary who uses specialized tools to shape and facet the stone. Moreover, here we’ll introduce some of the most commonly seen gemstone cuts. Brilliant Cut The brilliant cut is the most popular cut for gemstones. Specifically, a round brilliant cut diamond has a circular shape with 57 or 58 facets. This cut maximizes the stone’s brilliance and creates a lot of sparkle. Step Cut The step cut, with its long, narrow facets that create a “staircase” effect, is often used for emerald and rectangular-shaped gemstones. Although the step cut creates a less brilliant look, it highlights the gemstone’s colour and clarity. Mixed Cut The mixed cut, which combines the brilliant and step cut, is designed with the crown (top portion) of the gemstone cut with a brilliant pattern, while the pavilion (bottom portion) is cut with a step pattern. As a result, this cut maximizes the gemstone’s brilliance and colour. Rose Cut The rose cut is a unique cut that has a flat bottom with a domed top and a faceted crown. The crown of the gemstone has triangular facets that converge at the center of the stone. This cut is highly popular for creating a vintage-inspired look and is commonly used for diamond and coloured gemstones. Cabochon Cut The cabochon cut, which has a flat bottom with a domed top that’s smooth or slightly faceted, is a cut that highlights the gemstone’s colour and texture. It’s often used for opaque gemstones such as turquoise and opal. How to Choose the Perfect Gemstone Shape and Cut When choosing a gemstone shape and cut, there are a few things to consider: 1. Personal Style When choosing a gemstone, it’s important to consider your personal style and the type of jewellery you prefer. For instance, you should ask yourself whether you like classic, vintage, or modern styles, and whether you prefer bold or delicate designs. 2. Finger Size Additionally, it’s important to consider the size and shape of your finger when choosing a gemstone. If you have short fingers, a pear-shaped gemstone may elongate your finger, while a round shape may create the illusion of a wider finger. 3. Colour and Clarity The shape and cut of a gemstone can have an impact on its colour and clarity. Specifically, a step cut has the ability to accentuate the clarity of a gemstone, whereas a brilliant cut can bring out its colour. 4. Setting A simple solitaire setting is an elegant and timeless choice that can showcase the gemstone’s shape and cut. On the other hand, a halo setting can add extra sparkle and create the illusion of a larger stone by surrounding the center gem with smaller gems. 5. Budget There are various factors that can influence the price of a gemstone. One of the most important factors is the shape and cut of the stone. Round and brilliant-cut gemstones are generally more expensive due to their popularity and the amount of rough material that is lost during the cutting process. However, step-cut gemstones can be less expensive while still maintaining their beauty. “Gemstones come in a variety of shapes and cuts, each with its unique beauty and value. Whether you prefer classic round shapes or vintage-inspired rose cuts,

written by gems origin 10 Jewellery Myths That Have Been Debunked Jewellery has always been a fascinating and alluring accessory for people of all ages. However, like many other things, jewellery also comes with a lot of myths and misconceptions that have been passed down from generations. These myths can often prevent people from enjoying the beauty and elegance of jewellery or even affect their purchasing decisions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common jewellery myths that have been debunked. Myth 1: Diamonds are Indestructible Diamonds are often thought to be the hardest substance on earth, and while they are indeed very hard, they are not indestructible. Diamonds can crack, chip, or even shatter under the right conditions. Therefore, it’s important to take proper care of your diamond jewellery and avoid wearing it during strenuous activities or when doing household chores. Myth 2: All Pearls are Perfectly Round Contrary to popular belief, not all pearls are perfectly round. In fact, perfectly round pearls are very rare and expensive. Pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and their value is determined by their lustre, shape, and size. So, if you come across a pearl that is not perfectly round, don’t be alarmed as it’s perfectly normal. Myth 3: Gold is Always Yellow While yellow gold is the most popular and traditional form of gold, it’s not the only option available. Gold can be found in various colours, including white, rose, and even green. These colours are achieved by mixing gold with other metals such as copper, nickel, or silver. Each of these colours have its own unique properties and is equally valuable. Myth 4: All Gemstones are Rare and Expensive While some gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are rare and expensive, not all gemstones are. Many gemstones such as amethyst, citrine, and topaz are readily available and relatively affordable. Their value is determined by factors such as colour, clarity, and size. Myth 5: The Higher the Carat Weight, the Better the Quality of the Diamond Carat weight is a measure of a diamond’s weight, not its quality. A larger diamond may have a higher carat weight, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s of higher quality. A diamond’s quality is determined by its cut, clarity, and colour, which are collectively known as the 4 Cs. Myth 6: All Diamonds are White or Colorless While white or colourless diamonds are the most popular and traditional, diamonds can come in a range of colours, including yellow, pink, blue, and even black. These coloured diamonds are rare and valuable and are often referred to as fancy-coloured diamonds. Myth 7: Pearls Should Always be Stored in a Safe or a Bank Vault While pearls are delicate and require proper care, it’s not necessary to store them in a safe or a bank vault. Pearls should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and other jewellery to prevent scratching. Additionally, pearls should be worn often to prevent them from drying out and losing their lustre. Myth 8: Platinum is better than White Gold Platinum and white gold are both popular choices for engagement rings and wedding bands, but they have different properties. Platinum is a dense, heavy metal that is very durable, but it is also more expensive than white gold. White gold is an alloy of gold and other metals that is lighter in weight and less expensive than platinum. The choice between platinum and white gold ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Myth 9: All Gemstones are Durable Enough for Everyday Wear While some gemstones are very durable and can withstand everyday wear, others are more delicate and require special care. For example, opals, emeralds, and pearls are softer and more prone to scratches, while diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are harder and more durable. It’s important to consider the durability of a gemstone when choosing jewellery for everyday wear. Myth 10: All Pearls are Farmed While many pearls are farmed, there are still natural pearls that can be found in the wild. These natural pearls are extremely rare and valuable and are usually found by chance. However, most pearls sold today are cultured pearls, which are grown in oyster farms using human intervention. Why Should We Care? It’s essential to have the right knowledge before making any jewellery purchase. By debunking these jewellery myths, we hope to help people make informed decisions about their jewellery purchases and care. Remember, jewellery is meant to be enjoyed and cherished, so don’t let these myths discourage you from wearing and owning beautiful pieces. It’s important to choose a reputable jeweller and take proper care of your jewellery. By doing so, you can ensure that your jewellery remains beautiful and valuable for years to come. “Experience the BespokeJourney. Our Promisefor Perfection“ Every bespoke piece we create focuses on you. Here, you’ll see how we make your dream jewellery piece – from design to handcrafting it to perfection. tell us your story