Form & Taste

Gemstone Cut

2 articles

Editorial illustration for Brilliance vs. Scintillation: How a Gemstone's Cut Decides Between Sparkle and Color
Accessories

Brilliance vs. Scintillation: How a Gemstone's Cut Decides Between Sparkle and Color

Gemstone cuts are designed to achieve either brilliance (stationary brightness and contrast) or scintillation (moving flashes of light). Understanding the difference between brilliant-style and step-style cuts helps buyers choose between maximizing sparkle or showcasing a stone's inherent color and clarity.

Oliver Dane·October 28, 2026
Editorial illustration for Cut Over Carats: Why a Smaller, Well-Cut Gemstone Beats a Bigger, Badly Cut One
Accessories

Cut Over Carats: Why a Smaller, Well-Cut Gemstone Beats a Bigger, Badly Cut One

The quality of a gemstone's cut is paramount, often outweighing carat weight in determining its beauty and value. Precision cuts maximize light return and brilliance, making a smaller, well-executed gem more desirable and valuable than a larger, commercially cut stone.

Oliver Dane·October 24, 2026