The Lab Gem Supplier

Lab created gems come in a wondrous variety of shapes from standard cubic zirconia white rounds and lab created ruby ovals to more exotic cz emerald octagons and simulated alexandrite marquise cuts to the fancies like loose cz pink hearts and cubic zirconia AAAAA white stars. The shape of a natural or lab created gem describes the outline displayed by the face of the gem. For example, if you look down at the face of a traditionally set diamond engagement ring, the face of the gem forms a circle, called a round in jewelers’ parlance.

In nature, the crystal structure of the gem and the conditions under which it developed determine the ultimate shape into which it will be cut. Gem cutters choose shapes and cutting styles to maximize the weight and number of saleable gems they can cut from an individual raw stone. Their job is complicated by the presence of undesirable flaws and variations in color that occur naturally during the formation of natural gemstones. Raw gemstones must be carefully cut to maximize the number of finished gems having superior color and minimal flaws. One of the real advantages of lab created gems and cubic zirconia is the ability to consistently and inexpensively create perfectly cut lab gems of any shape with superior color and flawless clarity for the jewelry and arts trades.

Natural and lab created gems are cut to enhance their natural beauty. Gem cutters first cut flat, symmetrical, geometric planes, called facets, into the stone. Once polished, these facets catch and reflect light from different angles, emphasizing color and creating sparkle and brilliance. The faceting of a natural or lab gem is a precise science. Gems of different chemical compositions bend light rays differently as light passes through the mineral. Gem cutters use this refractive index as a guide during faceting to achieve different finished shapes while maintaining maximum brilliance and color in the finished gem.

Gem cutting styles are either faceted or unfaceted. Most natural gems that sparkle and their lab created gem counterparts are faceted. Unfaceted stones are most often cut into smooth, dome-shaped cabochons. Many semi-precious natural stones like turquoise that lack a sparkling crystal structure are most often cut into cabochons for jewelry use.

Next time: Different faceted cuts