The cut of a gem is needed to reveal all its beauty and hide the imperfections that are often found in natural minerals. The master first studies the emerald for a long time before choosing one or another type of processing.
Necessary
- - diamond tools;
- - quadrant-protractor;
- - faceplate.
Instructions
Step 1
To cut a stone, you need to know its hardness. The hardness of the emerald is 7.5-8. This indicator allows the stone to be practically invulnerable to damage and scratches. At the same time, this hardness makes the emerald brittle, so you need to be very careful and careful when cutting, so that cracks do not appear on the surface of the stone.
Step 2
The traditional cut for this gem is "emerald". This technology is applied to other minerals as well, but most often to emerald. This cut transforms the emerald into a stepped octagon. The "emerald" way of processing will maximize the beauty and play of light on the edges. In addition, such a cut will protect the emerald from possible damage.
Step 3
Please note that cabochon and spherical cuts are more suitable for low-quality emeralds that have cracks and various inclusions. They will hide the imperfections of the stone. "Cabochon" has a flat area on one side and an oval smooth surface on the other side, there are no edges at all. This treatment is used for semi-precious and precious stones.
Step 4
The spherical form of processing is used for cutting opaque (lapis lazuli, turquoise, etc.) and translucent (moonstone, opal and much more) minerals. Sometimes this technology is used for transparent gemstones that have natural imperfections (emerald, sapphire, etc.).
Step 5
Explore other cutting methods as well. An emerald cut in a wedge shape will have triangular corners and top side edges. The side faces of the stone form four pyramids, the bases of which are trapeziums. The bottom of the emerald will be formed by a combination of triangular faces.
Step 6
Since the hardness of the emerald is very high, it can only be processed using a diamond tool. Check your cutting machine, it must have a special device for counting the edges - a quadrant goniometer. All gem minerals, including emerald, are processed with this device. The angle of the edges depends on the presence of inclusions in the stone.
Step 7
Pre-polish the emerald on a special circle (faceplate). It should consist of an alloy of lead and tin, and the surface should be notched with a well-sharpened steel plate. You can come up with your own cut, it is not necessary to use the traditional shape.
