Recutting Native Cut Stones?

[minousbijoux]

Hi all:

I have a sapphire (and possibly some other stones) that I bought and had mounted a while ago. Now that I've learned a bit more about stones (thank you psers), I can hardly look at it, let alone wear it. It looks clunky to me in the mounting, and what bugs me even more is its big window, as it is shallowly cut. Since I really like the color and and it has no inclusions that detract from it, I've decided I should just have it recut. Its a cushion cut I think about 5 cts. So here is my question: are there reputable cutters that would recut a stone for someone with whom they have no established relationship? How is recutting priced? If something happens to it when it is being recut, do I just eat the value of the stone? Any thoughts, recommendations or sources are greatly welcomed. Thanks.

 

[Jim Rentfrow]

minousbijoux,

There are cutters who will recut a stone for someone who they have not had a business relation. A lot of cutters however, will not recut stones they have not sourced themselves. Cutting pricing is varied with the cutters, recut jobs typically can cost between inexpensive to several hundred dollars depending on the size of the stone.

Recutting does have its risks such as loss of color, loss of weight and loss of value. Many faceters websites state that they are not liable for damages from recutting so I would suggest you talk to the lapidary before he or she cuts the stone. This will help you remedy any situation where problems arise.

If the stone is heavily windowed than more than likely the pavilion could be recut to help close the window and not lose excessive weight. I hope that helps.

Jim

 

[minousbijoux]

Jim:

Thanks - it helps a lot. Any cutters come to mind?

-Minou

 

[Jim Rentfrow]

Even though I am cutter I cant give recommendations because I am in the trade and it is prohibited. There are several posts on here about this subject though if you do a quick search you will see recommendations.

 

[LD]

Minou - I looked into this a number of times but re-cutting really is only suitable for some gemstones unless you're prepared to sacrifice and really understand what you're going to end up with! For example, I have an oval cut 6ct Paraiba Tourmaline that is very very very shallowly cut (not too dissimilar from the description of your sapphire) and of course it has an enormous window However, when I spoke with a lovely lapidarist, sent him photos and the dimensions of the stone, he told me that to recut to lose the window would mean losing a substantial amount in terms of carat weight (probably halving it). This would also mean a significant drop in value of the gem.

Then, on this board a few years ago, there were 2 examples of people having very lovely bright gemstones recut only to end up with a smaller, well cut gem that looked substantially different in terms of colour. Unfortunately a recut can change the colour of the gem to the point that you may hate it (or love it)! The thing is that you can't guarantee what you'll end up with.

So based on the above, I decided NOT to recut but have looked at finding a setting that will have a more enclosed basket to help to minimise the window.

Why not see if you can change the setting????

 

[Michael_E]

Why not see if you can change the setting????

This is a very good thought. Windowed stones are often less expensive than their better cut counter parts and yet can still have very nice color. If you are one of those people who like something a little different I would suggest using the window to your advantage. It would certainly be possible to design a setting which had a surface of pavé diamonds beneath the center stone. This would allow light to be reflected from the pavé up through the windowed sapphire. You could get really creative and form the pavé into a symbol which had meaning to you or some other design. If pavé is not your thing you could place one large, well cut pale stone beneath the windowed sapphire and gain the flash from it, (it might be kind of tall, but would certainly garner attention).

As has been mentioned recutting a shallow stone usually means that you have to remove a significant amount of material from it's sides. This could cause a weight loss of 50% or more and most people are not too excited about that kind of weight loss...at least in their gems.

 

[movie zombie]

another opinion in favor of resetting to the stone's advantage.....could be a very creative and unique piece.

Mo-Zo

 

[minousbijoux]

Minou - For example, I have an oval cut 6ct Paraiba Tourmaline that is very very very shallowly cut (not too dissimilar from the description of your sapphire) and of course it has an enormous window However, when I spoke with a lovely lapidarist, sent him photos and the dimensions of the stone, he told me that to recut to lose the window would mean losing a substantial amount in terms of carat weight (probably halving it). This would also mean a significant drop in value of the gem.

Unfortunately a recut can change the colour of the gem to the point that you may hate it (or love it)! The thing is that you can't guarantee what you'll end up with.

Why not see if you can change the setting????

LD and Michael:

Thanks so much for your responses. First off, LD, a 6ct Paraiba?!!! You lucky duck! They are my very favorites! I appreciate your thoughts about loss of carat weight, as I hadn't thought it could be that much. I overpaid for the sapphire to begin with and was thinking I should throw caution to the wind and just do whatever it takes to get to a decent stone, but a loss of 50%?? On the other hand, maybe a setting will do it...

What I should do is figure out how to take pix and post them here to get your thoughts, and at the same time, seek the advice of a gem cutter who might be able to tell me what I would lose.

-M