A gemstone desired to be used in jewelry is cut, carved or made into a bead. The best quality rough is cut, also often referred to as faceting. This is done by a lapidary who decides how to reshape the gemstone using knowledge of the refractive index of gemstones to maximise any particular crystal's colour or play of light. [1] As a general rule, a cut gemstone will be reduced in mass (in carats) by about 50%. [2]
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Among the several techniques used to work with gemstones are sawing, grinding, sanding, lapping, polishing, grilling, and tumbling. The diamond cut planning stage is a complex process that requires the cutter to work with unique rough stones. Very often, the location of the inclusions in a rough stone will determine the type of shape to which a diamond may be cut. For economic reasons, most diamonds are cut to retain weight instead of maximizing brilliance. [3] How diamonds have been cut has evolved over time largely to technological advances. [4]
