Transforming a piece of rough into a finished gemstone is a meticulous, multi-step craft. Here is how each stone makes its way from the rough box to your hands.
Selection
We carefully select rough gemstones based on color, clarity, and the potential to dazzle. Rough stones that meet these criteria then make it to the cutting room.
Analysis
Each stone undergoes a thorough optical examination. We check once again for inclusions, color zoning, and optical-axis color changes, determining the best way to get the optimal cut out of the stone.
Design
Based on the stone’s natural properties, refractive index, and hardness differences, we write out a custom plan for each stone in the log book. For instance: a cutting pattern about the girdle, the cutting angles, and the index used for each facet. Some stones reveal their ideal form immediately to the cutter’s eye; others require more exploration and changes to the plan — adaptation.
Cutting
The actual faceting (“cutting”) of the stone combines machinery and handcraft. This phase requires immense patience, skill, and experience, as a wrong move can dramatically affect the gemstone’s appearance, yield, and the time needed to correct it.
Polishing
After cutting each facet, we go back and meticulously polish it to a fine finish that allows light to enter and dance throughout the stone as planned — the “scintillation” of our gemstones.
Final Examination
After polishing, each stone is cleaned and gets a final look for quality and excellence in presentation. Perhaps a photograph, and then it is on its way to you.