Natural Sapphire Company cuts

[Proteus]

Date: 8/17/2008 8:30:15 PM
Author: elmo
Tony, on the recut you''re talking about, the loss was about 30%. For $15-20K/carat starting material like extra-fine unheated ruby, that''s pretty hard to recoup if the original stone wasn''t downright ugly. I think at some point the material itself becomes worth more than the value-add of precision cutting, as long as the result is reasonably attractive.

Eh, it''s still debatable. How many $15-$20k/ct rubies are there out there which are precision cut? Probably few enough to fit in a teaspoon, if there''s any at all. That factor, as I said before, will make it far more valuable (at least in some people''s eyes.)

Will making it unique make it worth 30% more? It''s hard to say. But, an ideally cut diamond can trade for twice what a poorly cut diamond trades for (but of course, diamonds are a different gem.) Why are red and pink diamonds so expensive? Because only a handfull of them are mined every year, and people like to pay for that exclusive quality. Have you ever looked at auction prices for "unique" gems such as kashmir sapphire and fine, large burma rubies? The prices people pay are downright obscene. Sometimes over $100,000/ct for a ruby, and 30-40k/carat for the kashmirs. I''m sure those prices would be even much more obscene if it was for a precision cut gem, but that''s just my opinion.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Frekechild - We''re trying to get this going and done within the next few months (have been looking/learning for a few months already, but mostly at diamonds and settings). We''d like to tie the knot in January (and I''d like a few months to plan) due to time constraints with people we''d really like to be there with us. I''m not going to pick out exactly everything for the ring so he can still give me some surprise and put himself in the ring a bit, so I''m trying to get an idea of what I like and roads we can take that don''t take months and months, then give him the reins. I''d like a stone around 1ct (plus a little). I like light to medium hues of blue, pink, violet/purple, and orangeish pinks. Mainly looking at sapphires for durability. Other than that, I''m pretty open to any suggestions or advice! If anyone''s up for a search, feel free!

Lostsapphire - Thanks so much for all the info on yours. I can''t imagine putting that much time and waiting into the ring! Hehe I''m just impatient. But like you said, I am trying to take a careful approach. Me and my guy don''t make a lot of purchases for ourselves, and this is something we want to be special and meaningful, but not break the bank or go into marriage in debt if possible. Any idea of the average turnaround for Whiteflash if you just send them a stone and pick one of their listed settings for it?

Can Concave gems be sent to someone just to look at them and not purchase?

EBree - I like the stone you sent. It''s one of the colors I like. But the cut is one of those I was questioning when I first started this thread - NSC has some that are insanely off center, but this one was one of those that I still don''t think I could stand. But the color and size are definitely close to what I''m looking for!

Proteus - Thanks so much for all your info as well. LostSapphire''s stone is INCREDIBLE - completely changes the look from most of what I''ve seen in native cuts. I definitely want a precision cut - I''ve seen that in so many diamonds now and the symmetry and brilliance is what I want, so I''m still going to want that in any stone.

Any ideas from anyone on how long it may take just to walk into a B&M store with a stone in hand and pick out a setting they have, and have them set it?

 

[LostSapphire]

Date: 8/17/2008 9:33:42 PM
Author: luvthemstrawberries
Frekechild - We''re trying to get this going and done within the next few months (have been looking/learning for a few months already, but mostly at diamonds and settings). We''d like to tie the knot in January (and I''d like a few months to plan) due to time constraints with people we''d really like to be there with us. I''m not going to pick out exactly everything for the ring so he can still give me some surprise and put himself in the ring a bit, so I''m trying to get an idea of what I like and roads we can take that don''t take months and months, then give him the reins. I''d like a stone around 1ct (plus a little). I like light to medium hues of blue, pink, violet/purple, and orangeish pinks. Mainly looking at sapphires for durability. Other than that, I''m pretty open to any suggestions or advice! If anyone''s up for a search, feel free!

Lostsapphire - Thanks so much for all the info on yours. I can''t imagine putting that much time and waiting into the ring! Hehe I''m just impatient. But like you said, I am trying to take a careful approach. Me and my guy don''t make a lot of purchases for ourselves, and this is something we want to be special and meaningful, but not break the bank or go into marriage in debt if possible. Any idea of the average turnaround for Whiteflash if you just send them a stone and pick one of their listed settings for it?

Can Concave gems be sent to someone just to look at them and not purchase?

EBree - I like the stone you sent. It''s one of the colors I like. But the cut is one of those I was questioning when I first started this thread - NSC has some that are insanely off center, but this one was one of those that I still don''t think I could stand. But the color and size are definitely close to what I''m looking for!

Proteus - Thanks so much for all your info as well. LostSapphire''s stone is INCREDIBLE - completely changes the look from most of what I''ve seen in native cuts. I definitely want a precision cut - I''ve seen that in so many diamonds now and the symmetry and brilliance is what I want, so I''m still going to want that in any stone.

Any ideas from anyone on how long it may take just to walk into a B&M store with a stone in hand and pick out a setting they have, and have them set it?

Probably no more than a couple of weeks, tops. Same for WF.

LS

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 8/17/2008 9:33:42 PM
Author: luvthemstrawberries
Frekechild - We''re trying to get this going and done within the next few months (have been looking/learning for a few months already, but mostly at diamonds and settings). We''d like to tie the knot in January (and I''d like a few months to plan) due to time constraints with people we''d really like to be there with us. I''m not going to pick out exactly everything for the ring so he can still give me some surprise and put himself in the ring a bit, so I''m trying to get an idea of what I like and roads we can take that don''t take months and months, then give him the reins. I''d like a stone around 1ct (plus a little). I like light to medium hues of blue, pink, violet/purple, and orangeish pinks. Mainly looking at sapphires for durability. Other than that, I''m pretty open to any suggestions or advice! If anyone''s up for a search, feel free!

Lostsapphire - Thanks so much for all the info on yours. I can''t imagine putting that much time and waiting into the ring! Hehe I''m just impatient. But like you said, I am trying to take a careful approach. Me and my guy don''t make a lot of purchases for ourselves, and this is something we want to be special and meaningful, but not break the bank or go into marriage in debt if possible. Any idea of the average turnaround for Whiteflash if you just send them a stone and pick one of their listed settings for it?

Can Concave gems be sent to someone just to look at them and not purchase?

EBree - I like the stone you sent. It''s one of the colors I like. But the cut is one of those I was questioning when I first started this thread - NSC has some that are insanely off center, but this one was one of those that I still don''t think I could stand. But the color and size are definitely close to what I''m looking for!

Proteus - Thanks so much for all your info as well. LostSapphire''s stone is INCREDIBLE - completely changes the look from most of what I''ve seen in native cuts. I definitely want a precision cut - I''ve seen that in so many diamonds now and the symmetry and brilliance is what I want, so I''m still going to want that in any stone.

Any ideas from anyone on how long it may take just to walk into a B&M store with a stone in hand and pick out a setting they have, and have them set it?

Please, please make sure that you take out insurance on the stone before you let anyone set it. I would also be inclined to try and use the stone vendor for the setting if possible - then you have someone who understands that particular stone and it''s foibles.

 

[elmo]

Date: 8/17/2008 9:24:19 PM
Author: Proteus
How many $15-$20k/ct rubies are there out there which are precision cut? Probably few enough to fit in a teaspoon, if there''s any at all.

I''m not talking just about super-esoteric stones. Consider a top color unheated Sri Lanka blue that''s eight carats in a reasonably decent cut, but fantastic color and clean. Still potentially a $60K stone. I just don''t see where it makes sense to precision cut to five carats. The best return on investment might be for some compromise in between.

 

[movie zombie]

a couple of thoughts:

-color stones range in price just like diamonds: the finer the color stone, the finer the price....just like diamonds. a fine color stone will cost as much and some cases more than a diamond of the same size. get a color stone for an e-ring if you want something unusual but not because you''ll save $....you may actually spend more.

-taking a color stone into a b&m to be set in one of their settings just doesn''t work so many times because color stones are not necessarily calibrated to fit standard settings. they are cut to bring out their unique properties and to maximize value. either work with someone who can source the stone AND set it for you......or source the stone yourself and work with some that has lots of experience setting color stones......and get that insurance first! you''ve been given some good resources here for someone who can source and set the stone.

-color stones don''t work in all settings. they often need to be protected around the girdle of the stone. if you''ve got your heart set on a particular setting, make sure you''ve got a stone appropriate for that setting.

i''m sure i''m forgetting something.....and i''m piggybacking on the other posters. there are color stones for every budget and i''d encourage you to see as many as you can as well as read some good books re stones before you decide on your stone. the difference can be astounding.


movie zombie

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 8/18/2008 10:34:41 AM
Author: movie zombie
a couple of thoughts:

-color stones range in price just like diamonds: the finer the color stone, the finer the price....just like diamonds. a fine color stone will cost as much and some cases more than a diamond of the same size. get a color stone for an e-ring if you want something unusual but not because you''ll save $....you may actually spend more.

-taking a color stone into a b&m to be set in one of their settings just doesn''t work so many times because color stones are not necessarily calibrated to fit standard settings. they are cut to bring out their unique properties and to maximize value. either work with someone who can source the stone AND set it for you......or source the stone yourself and work with some that has lots of experience setting color stones......and get that insurance first! you''ve been given some good resources here for someone who can source and set the stone.

-color stones don''t work in all settings. they often need to be protected around the girdle of the stone. if you''ve got your heart set on a particular setting, make sure you''ve got a stone appropriate for that setting.

i''m sure i''m forgetting something.....and i''m piggybacking on the other posters. there are color stones for every budget and i''d encourage you to see as many as you can as well as read some good books re stones before you decide on your stone. the difference can be astounding.


movie zombie

 

[LostSapphire]

Date: 8/18/2008 10:40:09 AM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 8/18/2008 10:34:41 AM
Author: movie zombie
a couple of thoughts:

-color stones range in price just like diamonds: the finer the color stone, the finer the price....just like diamonds. a fine color stone will cost as much and some cases more than a diamond of the same size. get a color stone for an e-ring if you want something unusual but not because you''ll save $....you may actually spend more.

-taking a color stone into a b&m to be set in one of their settings just doesn''t work so many times because color stones are not necessarily calibrated to fit standard settings. they are cut to bring out their unique properties and to maximize value. either work with someone who can source the stone AND set it for you......or source the stone yourself and work with some that has lots of experience setting color stones......and get that insurance first! you''ve been given some good resources here for someone who can source and set the stone.

-color stones don''t work in all settings. they often need to be protected around the girdle of the stone. if you''ve got your heart set on a particular setting, make sure you''ve got a stone appropriate for that setting.

i''m sure i''m forgetting something.....and i''m piggybacking on the other posters. there are color stones for every budget and i''d encourage you to see as many as you can as well as read some good books re stones before you decide on your stone. the difference can be astounding.


movie zombie

LS

 

[Proteus]

Date: 8/18/2008 10:13:30 AM
Author: elmo

I''m not talking just about super-esoteric stones. Consider a top color unheated Sri Lanka blue that''s eight carats in a reasonably decent cut, but fantastic color and clean. Still potentially a $60K stone. I just don''t see where it makes sense to precision cut to five carats. The best return on investment might be for some compromise in between.

I wasn''t completely disagreeing with you. It actually really depends on the buyer/owner, and what I was trying to say is that your average Joe is not the buyer for a $60k stone, it''s usually a more... eccentric individual. Some of them may want a precision cut.

I''ve actually done a precision cut on an unheated sapphire very much like what you just stated. It finished as a 5.40ct, eyeclean. So evidently, there is some demand for it. But no, not everyone is going to want such a stone. A lot of people can''t live without having that extra weight.

 

[FrekeChild]

I have to say that I wouldn''t rush this. I just got the thumbs up from BF to start looking for a stone, and I''m hoping to get it before the end of the year. Of course I''m looking for spinels and they are not exactly readily available at every corner.

I would email those two cutters I posted on my first post and see what they can do for you. And Jeff White as well of course.

I wish you luck.

 

[Linda W]

I just read on The Natural Sapphire Company website that they mine and cut their own sapphires. They cut the sapphires in New York.


Linda

 

[Proteus]

Date: 8/18/2008 2:35:52 PM
Author: Linda W
I just read on The Natural Sapphire Company website that they mine and cut their own sapphires. They cut the sapphires in New York.


Linda

They don''t actually explicitly say that their factory is in NY. Their stones are cut much too poorly to be American cut, unless they''ve specifically brought over a bunch of low-quality cutting equipment... but that would be rather illogical and very costly. Most companies such as this own a cutting factory overseas. It is their factory, yes, but it''s not in the USA. And the quality of cutting definitely shows.

If all their stones were cut in America by professional gem cutters, they''d say so directly.

 

[Linda W]

Tony,

I have to admit, the pads I have from them are gorgeous, excellent cuts and no windows . My avatar pad looks like it has a tiny window, but can''t be seen in my ring, so I don''t now why it shows one. My pad earrings to have tiny windows, but I didn''t care, as they are on my ears.

All in all, I love the pads I have and lucked out with no windows, excellent cuts and all. I purchased my pads quite awhile ago, maybe their cutting has changed since then.


Linda

 

[Proteus]

Date: 8/18/2008 5:45:34 PM
Author: Linda W
I have to admit, the pads I have from them are gorgeous, excellent cuts and no windows . My avatar pad looks like it has a tiny window, but can't be seen in my ring, so I don't now why it shows one. My pad earrings to have tiny windows, but I didn't care, as they are on my ears.

All in all, I love the pads I have and lucked out with no windows, excellent cuts and all. I purchased my pads quite awhile ago, maybe their cutting has changed since then.

Sorry, they aren't badly cut by normal standards... They're just badly cut by precision standards. I didn't mean to make them sound really terrible - it's just that I don't feel, as a cutter, that they are USA precision cut. Take this for example:
http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com/Sapphires/White/Round/stoneid=U2443
The 3d scan shows it as having pretty off-kilter faceting. The pavilion mains don't meet, the table is off-center, and the girdle is uneven. But overall, it faces up pretty brilliant.

Near the end of this following thread, I posted a scan of a spinel I cut:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/your-custom-cut-gems.92260/

I scanned my stone on the same device that NSC is obviously using - a Sarin DiaMention. I just expressed the images as wireframes, rather than shaded polygons. You can see the difference in symmetry, I trust.

But all in all, their proportions are generally good on their stones - the symmetry (and sometimes polish) are really not up to par with precision cutting standards. They *could* be American cutters, but they would have to massively rush through things to produce such funky stones. It seems that it would be more economical to just have them done overseas.

I hate when companies pretend that their stones are USA precision cut, when they obviously aren't. It offends me.

 

[chrono]

I have to agree with Proteus that the NSC sapphires look native cut to me. Some are good native cuts, and others not so. Most stones would be cut very close to the mining source so I''d expect that''s where their cutters are located.

 

[Sagebrush]

Tony,

I have followed this post with interest. Excellent series of posts. I would just like to make a couple of points that I hope will be helpful.

1. The term "native cut" is something of an ethnic slur. I have watched Burmese cutters working on foot treadle powered machines with buffalo horn fittings cut as fine a stone as I have ever seen. Poor cutting is almost always a function of a weight retention strategy.

2. The cutting of sapphire is much more difficult due to the tendency of the stone to have colorless zones juxtaposed against colored zones of various tonal levels. The cutter's job is to eliminate the "texture" (zoned look face-up) and integrate the zones into a uniform look.

3. We rarely see precision cut gem quality sapphire because the Sri Lankans, Thais and Burmese rarely give up the good rough. If a Thai dealer offers you fine rough, beware! I know one case where one of this country's most renowned corundum cutter got badly burned on ruby rough. Most of what we see are recut stones.

4. I know Richard Homer and have bought some of his stones. However, I am not a fan of fine dark concave cut sapphire. I don't think the cutting style brings out the best in fine sapphire. I think the same is often true of "diamond cut" sapphire.

If you would like to read a bit more. The sapphire chapter from my book, Secrets, can be read free on the book's website.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 8/21/2008 7:40:46 AM
Author: Richard W. Wise
Tony,

I have followed this post with interest. Excellent series of posts. I would just like to make a couple of points that I hope will be helpful.

1. The term ''native cut'' is something of an ethnic slur. I have watched Burmese cutters working on foot treadle powered machines with buffalo horn fittings cut as fine a stone as I have ever seen. Poor cutting is almost always a function of a weight retention strategy.

2. The cutting of sapphire is much more difficult due to the tendency of the stone to have colorless zones juxtaposed against colored zones of various tonal levels. The cutter''s job is to eliminate the ''texture'' (zoned look face-up) and integrate the zones into a uniform look.

3. We rarely see precision cut gem quality sapphire because the Sri Lankans, Thais and Burmese rarely give up the good rough. If a Thai dealer offers you fine rough, beware! I know one case where one of this country''s most renowned corundum cutter got badly burned on ruby rough. Most of what we see are recut stones.

4. I know Richard Homer and have bought some of his stones. However, I am not a fan of fine dark concave cut sapphire. I don''t think the cutting style brings out the best in fine sapphire. I think the same is often true of ''diamond cut'' sapphire.

If you would like to read a bit more. The sapphire chapter from my book, Secrets, can be read free on the book''s website.

Thanks for your comments Richard, I''m glad to see that you agree that the rather disparaging term ''native'' cuts is often unfair!

 

[Linda W]

Date: 8/21/2008 7:40:46 AM
Author: Richard W. Wise
Tony,


I have followed this post with interest. Excellent series of posts. I would just like to make a couple of points that I hope will be helpful.


1. The term ''native cut'' is something of an ethnic slur. I have watched Burmese cutters working on foot treadle powered machines with buffalo horn fittings cut as fine a stone as I have ever seen. Poor cutting is almost always a function of a weight retention strategy.


2. The cutting of sapphire is much more difficult due to the tendency of the stone to have colorless zones juxtaposed against colored zones of various tonal levels. The cutter''s job is to eliminate the ''texture'' (zoned look face-up) and integrate the zones into a uniform look.


3. We rarely see precision cut gem quality sapphire because the Sri Lankans, Thais and Burmese rarely give up the good rough. If a Thai dealer offers you fine rough, beware! I know one case where one of this country''s most renowned corundum cutter got badly burned on ruby rough. Most of what we see are recut stones.


4. I know Richard Homer and have bought some of his stones. However, I am not a fan of fine dark concave cut sapphire. I don''t think the cutting style brings out the best in fine sapphire. I think the same is often true of ''diamond cut'' sapphire.


If you would like to read a bit more. The sapphire chapter from my book, Secrets, can be read free on the book''s website.

Thank you so much for responding Richard. I always value your input.


Linda

 

[Djarum]

What cut do you suggest then for sapphires? I''m not wild about the "look" of concanve gems, but I noticed that some diamond cut sapphires tend to have more brillance than say step cut sapphires. Or is this the product of bad cutting on step cut sapphires?

Dj

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 8/21/2008 12:02:55 PM
Author: Djarum
What cut do you suggest then for sapphires? I''m not wild about the ''look'' of concanve gems, but I noticed that some diamond cut sapphires tend to have more brillance than say step cut sapphires. Or is this the product of bad cutting on step cut sapphires?

Dj

Even with diamonds, you won''t get the same performance with step-cuts. You''ll get bigger flashes of colour, but less scintillation. Good cutting will make the most of the stone''s performance, but still won''t give you the look of a round brilliant.

Emerald cuts are called that because they were designed to show off the colour of emeralds, not to promote sparkle.

My favourite cuts for sapphires are ovals and cushions, particularly cushions as you avoid the bowtie effect. Trillions also perform well, but are not to everyone''s taste. Rounds are also good - look at Lost Sapphires, but it''s not the easiest shape to find.

 

[Proteus]

I agree that "native cut" is not very politically correct. I find it offensive, I just use it for lack of a better term. I guess I should just refer to them as "cut for weight."

Yes, I have never seen decent rough from Thailand, Sri Lanka or Myanmar offered. A dealer tried to sell me (junk) some Thai sapphire rough once, trying to convince me how great and rare it was... and at some obscene price. I wouldn't have used it as aquarium gravel. It's logical though - why sell rough, when you could cut it and sell it for a higher price? They have so many lapidary factories in the area.

The zoning is an issue, but the dichroism also is too. There's an interesting balance of zoning, directional colors, and flaws. I've recut a few of the sapphires from those areas, it's an interesting balance of characteristics to mind.

I think overseas for-weight cutters and precision cutters such as myself do the same difficult job, we just have a different goal in mind. I appreciate the many hours they toil away at their cutting work, believe me. My goal is to get the most beauty out of a stone, and theirs is to get the most weight from it. It's a difficult task either way, and it takes many years to master.

Sometimes I feel it's a shame that so many stones are cut poorly, just to get a larger stone. But if they were all cut for precision, the work I do would be insignificant.

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Wow, thanks to everyone that has responded on this thread. I never dreamed when I started it that there would be so much interest in it!! I have learned more than I thought possible just from the info on here thus far.

I agree that it''s a shame more of the stones can''t be cut with beauty. I understand the economics of it, but most people want more than just a flash of gemstone color when they buy one - at least I do. I want to look at it and see what it''s capable of, not just wonder. And now that I know precision cutting is possible if someone desires it, I know where to look, and what to look for! Yall have given some great resources and information on here so far - thanks so much!!

If there''s more to add, feel free!!

 

[LostSapphire]

Date: 8/21/2008 12:12:26 PM
Author: Pandora II

Even with diamonds, you won''t get the same performance with step-cuts. You''ll get bigger flashes of colour, but less scintillation. Good cutting will make the most of the stone''s performance, but still won''t give you the look of a round brilliant.

Emerald cuts are called that because they were designed to show off the colour of emeralds, not to promote sparkle.

My favourite cuts for sapphires are ovals and cushions, particularly cushions as you avoid the bowtie effect. Trillions also perform well, but are not to everyone''s taste. Rounds are also good - look at Lost Sapphires, but it''s not the easiest shape to find.

Oh my goodness. Thank you for the ''shout out'' Pandora!

And the funny thing was, for me, I wanted an oval. Until I saw the round and fell in love with the colour and the cut. Since that decision there has been no regret. But I found it a harder shape to work with (probably because an oval/cushion halo was where my mind was at in the outset).

I''m enjoying this discussion re: ''native'' cuts. very, very interesting points of view!

LS

 

[Sagebrush]

DJ,

Lets define our terms. Most sapphire is cut in what is known as a "mixed cut" or a "mixed brilliant". What I mean is a brilliant cut crown and a series of small step facets on the pavilion. This is not really a "step cut". That is the name given to the so-called emerald cut, a series of long facets running mostly the whole length of the stone like a series of long steps on both crown and pavilion.

We see a lot of badly cut sapphire so I think there is a tendency to reject this cut based on the majority of badly cut stones that we see. A well proportioned mixed brilliant is a good option for sapphire. Thats why Thai, Burmese and Sri Lankan cutters use it.

A true step or emerald cut is a good option but very little medium dark rough sapphire (particularly heat treated stones--the heating makes them murky) have the crystal or transparency to make it as emerald cuts. I have one at the moment, a 4.11 natural. Such stones are a cathedral of color. Long rectangular blocks of vivid blue!

Fact is each sapphire, as I am sure Proteus will agree, has a distinct personality. Its up to the cutter to nurse the gem, to choose the correct design that will coax the gem into revealing its beauty. When asked about the source of his inspiration, Michelangelo said that the sculpture was in the marble. He did not create it he simply drew it from the stone.

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 8/21/2008 9:16:15 PM
Author: Richard W. Wise
DJ,

Lets define our terms. Most sapphire is cut in what is known as a ''mixed cut'' or a ''mixed brilliant''. What I mean is a brilliant cut crown and a series of small step facets on the pavilion. This is not really a ''step cut''. That is the name given to the so-called emerald cut, a series of long facets running mostly the whole length of the stone like a series of long steps on both crown and pavilion.

We see a lot of badly cut sapphire so I think there is a tendency to reject this cut based on the majority of badly cut stones that we see. A well proportioned mixed brilliant is a good option for sapphire. Thats why Thai, Burmese and Sri Lankan cutters use it.

A true step or emerald cut is a good option but very little medium dark rough sapphire (particularly heat treated stones--the heating makes them murky) have the crystal or transparency to make it as emerald cuts. I have one at the moment, a 4.11 natural. Such stones are a cathedral of color. Long rectangular blocks of vivid blue!

Fact is each sapphire, as I am sure Proteus will agree, has a distinct personality. Its up to the cutter to nurse the gem, to choose the correct design that will coax the gem into revealing its beauty. When asked about the source of his inspiration, Michelangelo said that the sculpture was in the marble. He did not create it he simply drew it from the stone.

Your comments make me think of this beauty currently at wildfishgems. So gorgeous!

 

[Djarum]

Thank you for the response! The reason I was curious is that most of what I see online, at least, and most cases in the stores, is step cut. Some of these stones look fine, others look too dark with no brilliance. I have seen some with brilliant/diamond cut I suppose you call it with lots of fire but still good color. I''m sure too light of a stone, this type of cut could take away from the color.

Dj

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 8/22/2008 11:05:26 AM
Author: Djarum
Thank you for the response! The reason I was curious is that most of what I see online, at least, and most cases in the stores, is step cut. Some of these stones look fine, others look too dark with no brilliance. I have seen some with brilliant/diamond cut I suppose you call it with lots of fire but still good color. I''m sure too light of a stone, this type of cut could take away from the color.

Dj

Most sapphires that I see in the stores are dark and uninteresting stones. I think the shops are just trying to keep the prices down and market what will sell. The sapphires I saw in person at a Richard Homer round table last fall were in a totally different league, and part of it was the concave cut, and part of it was that the artist picked nice material to begin with.

 

[beaujolais]

Hmmm, I, myself, don''t see "native cut" as a problem term. I just think of something natural to that area. Like the term "native plant" means plants naturally of that area. JMO.

 

[Proteus]

Date: 8/23/2008 12:41:47 PM
Author: sonomacounty
Hmmm, I, myself, don''t see ''native cut'' as a problem term. I just think of something natural to that area. Like the term ''native plant'' means plants naturally of that area. JMO.

I agree. Actually, the main reason that I dislike the term is that it is very vague. But I don''t think it''s derogatory towards anyone. "Native Cut" really doesn''t say anything about the quality of the stone, or who cut it.. I think it just means the stone was cut in its native land. "Native" cuts vary hugely in quality, design, and proportions. It''s just a highly ambiguous term, and it lumps all overseas cutters together into one large, nameless group of lapidary workers.

 

[chrono]

Just as they are good and poor native cut stones, there are also good and poor US (insert whatever country you like here) cut stones too. Once excellent skill most native cutters have is the ability to bring out the best of the stone. It may not have precision cutting but they can see how to best showcase its colour given the shape of the rough. I've seen okay looking native cut stones of excellent colour recut by precision US cutters to only have the gemstone looking worse than before colour wise.