Depth of Star Sapphire

[daneshpastry]

I'm looking at star sapphires (although I suppose this applies to any cabochon-cut). What proportions should I be looking at as far as depth? I'm worried that the stone I'm looking at is too deep and may look strange as a pendant. Measurements are appprox. 8 x 7 x 5.

Thoughts?

 

[Arcadian]

Cabs carry their weight at the top, so,

You need to take into account first and foremost, your star. is it faint or strong? Are the legs straight?
Then you need to take into account the height. Some star sapphires can be quite high but, again that can be the nature of the beast if it provides the best star. Choose one that is of a height that you're ok with.

Then you have to decide about the transparency of the material. Is it transparent enough for your liking? does it matter? (for some it dosen't matter) Transparent material will always cost more per ct than material with lot of visible rutiles.

Then look at the circumference. No matter that you do, you will be paying for the amount of cts that stone is. find one that meets most of the above criteria, THEN look at this last as you could be missing out on some lovely stars. Thats of course if you're not looking for really big (remember, you'll be paying per ct!)


IMO I have never seen in ideal cab shape as how they are shaped can be material dependent. Unlike diamonds, you have a plethora of stone types which might explain why some are not domed as high as others. Then there's sugarloafs which are lots of fun indeed!

 

[daneshpastry]

Cabs carry their weight at the top, so,

You need to take into account first and foremost, your star. is it faint or strong? Are the legs straight?
Then you need to take into account the height. Some star sapphires can be quite high but, again that can be the nature of the beast if it provides the best star. Choose one that is of a height that you're ok with.

Then you have to decide about the transparency of the material. Is it transparent enough for your liking? does it matter? (for some it dosen't matter) Transparent material will always cost more per ct than material with lot of visible rutiles.

Then look at the circumference. No matter that you do, you will be paying for the amount of cts that stone is. find one that meets most of the above criteria, THEN look at this last as you could be missing out on some lovely stars. Thats of course if you're not looking for really big (remember, you'll be paying per ct!)


IMO I have never seen in ideal cab shape as how they are shaped can be material dependent. Unlike diamonds, you have a plethora of stone types which might explain why some are not domed as high as others. Then there's sugarloafs which are lots of fun indeed!

Thank you for your knowledge .looks loke I have a lot of research to do!

 

[Bluegemz]

How stars are cut depends on many factors including color, silk, inclusions and fractures, and ofcourse, carat weight. Therefore, watch for excess weight on the bottom of the stone which would make setting more tricky....Sometimes weight is left to deepen color, or to retain enough silk. .. many shapes can be appealing.

My advice is that each star is completely individual and you should look for what moves you. Watch for a beautiful equilibrium of color, translucency and just enough rutile silk as to create a star, but not so much as to compromise translucency and color. Ideally, the star should be centered, and cutting should emphasize the beauty of the star.

Some say that with stars, color is most important, but I personally don’t completely agree. IMO, It’s the BALANCE and relationship between qualities that matters with stars. Frex, a deep blue star with great color and translucency but a weak star doesn’t give the star sapphire effect as one with less saturated color, good translucence and a nice star.

Stars are magic because so many things come together to create their beauty, and there is a wide range of look, much like jadeite. You will have to find out which qualities matter most to you. These gems are most rewarding to watch, as they come alive with light. Such a gift of nature.
Good luck!! Keep us posted!