Knowledge

GEMSTONES WITH FANCY CUTS
The value of a gemstone is largely determined by its cut. Whether glittering diamonds, blood-red rubies or deep green emeralds – it is only through the cut that the beauty of a jewel really comes into its own. In addition to the well-known brilliant cut of diamonds, there are also fancy cuts, which are summarized under the name “Fancy Cuts”. This type of cut is characterized by a variety of design options and pleases the eye with its richness of facets – in the truest sense of the word. on.

CUT OF GEMSTONES: STYLE VS. SHAPE
Gemstones undergo cutting processes to unveil their true color and brilliance. Tailored to each stone's unique properties, the cutting aims to showcase its beauty while minimizing material loss. The cut shape defines the outer contour, ranging from round to teardrop, while the cutting style refers to facets that enhance a gemstone's fire. This includes smooth cuts like the “cabochon,” facet cuts like the brilliant cut for diamonds, step cuts with rectangular facets, and the mixed cut, blending smoothness with facets.

WHAT ARE FANCY CUTS?
Within gemology, any cuts apart from the brilliant cuts fall under the umbrella term of "fancy cuts." Traditionally, familiar styles like the emerald, oval, or cushion cuts also fit into this category. However, the term increasingly encompasses gemstones that diverge from precise standards in facets, shapes, and proportions, evading classification within classic cuts. This expansive definition provides gemstone cutters ample space for imaginative and creative designs, earning the alternate moniker of "fantasy cut" for these non-conforming yet artistically unique cuts.

Oval cut
The oval cut belongs to the modified brilliant cuts. The ideal balance between stone weight and beauty can often be achieved with this cut for colored gemstones. The oval cut is the most common cut for colored gemstones.

Marquise cut
The marquise cut – also called the “navette” – was commissioned by Louis XV, King of France, in 1745. The elongated cut, which extends to two points, is said to be modeled after the lips of his mistress, Madame de Pompadour.

Emerald Cut
The emerald cut was developed specifically for its namesake gemstone: emerald is relatively brittle, so a cut was developed to deal with this fact. It features a rectangular shape with beveled corners and parallel facets.

Asscher cut
Like the emerald cut, the Asscher cut belongs to the step or stair cuts. It is square and has rounded corners. In the beginning, only diamonds were processed in the Asscher cut, but in the meantime it is also used for colored gemstones.

FANTASY CUT GEMSTONES: REAL FANCY CUTS
As imaginative fancy cuts, many more, sometimes very unusual, cut shapes can be found on the market. Some of these exotic, unusual and modern cuts have been developed by individual companies, combining features of established cuts to create entirely new shapes.

FANCY CUTS AS AN INVESTMENT?
Do fancy cuts, with their distinctive shapes and facets, serve as viable investments? Untreated, naturally colored stones that are well-cut prove to be particularly lucrative investments. Gems like ruby, sapphire, and emerald, in their natural state and appropriately cut, exhibit stable value growth, escalating global demand, and boast ease of transport and storage. For investment-grade gemstones, opting for conventional cuts is advisable, enhancing their potential for resale. The oval cut for ruby and sapphire, as well as the emerald cut for emeralds, are recommended choices. Conversely, marquise or cabochon cuts hold less significance in the investment realm, despite their aesthetic appeal and popularity in jewelry. When it comes to reselling stones with fancy cuts, there tends to be price depreciation compared to their conventional counterparts.