This is definitely the most challenging task for a gem cutter, as it requires a strong knowledge on gemstones.
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This is definitely the most challenging task for a gem cutter, as it requires a strong knowledge on gemstones.
The biggest concern during the cut is to produce the finest gemstones with a maximum brightness, intensity and colour while minimizing weight loss. Analyzing the rough is therefore extremely important.
Sawing can extract a portion of an uncut stone or get rid of the damaged areas, areas that are too flat, or where the colour is not uniform. These parts will be used to create new gems of a different quality. This step saves time during roughing. However, it is not systematic: it depends on the purity of the uncut stone and its shape.
The lapidary's experience is decisive when working on the uncut stone because he will begin to create the volume of the stone while maintaining its weight. If the stone is large, he will work directly on the grindstone but puts small stones on a rod.
Designed to enhance the colour and the optical qualities of the stone, faceting requires precision and skill. It is at this stage that it will be possible to hide some imperfections with the dimensions of the facets. By constantly innovating, Piat has created its own faceting technique, which can be used for many types of stones.
Final step of the cutting: the polishing must be absolutely perfect so that the stone reflects light perfectly and reveals all its beauty through each of its facets. Depending on the hardness of the stone and the material, a different wheel is used according to these characteristics. This work requires a lot of time and application. Polishing can also be used to beautify a ground stone - the size will be preserved and a minimal amount of weight lost.