Our Gemstones and the Rough They were Faceted From

A number of customers have expressed curiousity regarding the cutting of rough material to produce gemstones. In general, only 2% of a mines production will yield material that is of value: cabbing, carving material and facet grade material. Facet grade material is a small percentage of the material that is actually mined. To produce a faceted gemstone, the yield is only about 20% depending on the shape, inclusions, etc. of the rough. (For instance, one pays for a 10ct piece of rough and hopes to obtain a 2ct gemstone after faceting). This yield is an estimate as it can be higher or lower. Some cutters, especially those cutting in the countries that are discovering the gem material, are cutting for weight - they want the heaviest gemstone possible from the rough. Unfortunately, the gemstone produced will not be of the best proportions and therefore, will typically not have the brilliance expected and coudl even be difficult to set due to the proportions. We typically use U.S. cutters and we are cutting at the proper angles and using the proper cutting designs to produce the best looking gemstone and therefore sacrifice weight - but the results are worth it!

The yield can also be zero - the gemstone may crack during cutting or even after cutting. One sometimes cannot see inclusions during the purchase of the rough. The person buying the rough is actually taking a big gamble in hopes that a nice gemstone will be produced. The return is not a given - so it is obviously safer and sometimes far more economical to purchase a gemstone that has already been faceted - one already knows what one is getting.

Below are some photos of our faceted gemstones and the rough from which they were cut.

Malaia Garnet	Mint Green Tourmaline	Orangy Tourmaline

Neony Blue Green Tourmaline	Fancy Tazanite	Fancy Yellow Tanzanite