Size of precious stones: shapes, how to choose

The beauty of a gem is not only due to its rarity or its color. It lives above all in its cut. The art of cut a precious stone transforms a raw mineral into a jewel that captures light and imagination. Like a sculptor with marble, a fashion designer with fabric, or a chef with an exceptional product, the lapidary reveals what nature has already created.

There gemstone cutting is the alliance of precision and intuition. It is a discipline where the right gesture magnifies the material. An uncut precious stone remains a promise. A precious stone cut like the ruby becomes a radiance, a presence, an emotion. At Bonnot Paris, we value this art which gives meaning and style to each piece of jewelry.

What is the cut of a precious or semi-precious stone?

Cutting precious or fine stones consists of to give shape, proportions and facets to a raw material. The objective is simple to state, demanding to achieve: to reveal the color, the brilliance and the play of light of a sapphire, of a tourmaline...The different sizes of gemstones guide the light to the heart of the gem, then return it to the eye. This is how the brilliance, depth and “life” that seem to animate the stone are born.

Did you know? The term semi-precious stone cannot be used in a commercial context since 2002. To refer to a stone other than diamond, sapphire, ruby ​​andemerald, we must talk about fine stone.

The analogy speaks for itself. The lapidary, craftsman who cuts precious stones, works as a sculptor who releases a hidden silhouetteLike a couturier, he places his “cuts” to flatter the material.

Personalized engagement ring with cut stone

Why is the size of a stone so important?

Size impacts both the beauty and the value. A cut that is too deep or too flat causes light to leak through. The stone appears dull, even if it is pure and well colored. Conversely, a mastered cut of gemstones offers a clean brilliance, a regular flickering and this impression of inner clarity.

The “life” of a gem comes from the way its facets distribute light. Well proportioned, they create vivid flashes and precise contrasts. On two identical stones, the The difference between a perfect size and an approximate size is obvious.One lights up, the other goes out.

The different sizes of gemstones and the advantages of these shapes

There brilliant cut, round, is the benchmark for diamonds. It maximizes brilliance and symmetry, with proportions studied for optimal light return.

There princess cut, square, offers a modern and graphic look to spinels notably, while retaining a lot of shine.

THE oval shapes, pear And marquise lengthen the line of the finger and evoke a fluid elegance.

Fancy sizes, like the heart, THE cushion Or emerald (rectangular with cut sides), tell a unique style. The baguette size, sometimes described as a small rectangular gemstone cut, captivates with its clean, architectural design. Each of these gemstone shapes is a signature.They make up a veritable catalog of styles, from romanticism to assertive minimalism.

How to choose a gemstone based on its size?

When buying online, trust your taste, but also the quality of execution. If you are looking for maximum shine, the brilliant cut is a reassuring classic.

If you like simple elegance, the emerald cut or baguette offers a serene, almost architectural transparency.

For more originality, consider the oval, pear or marquise shape, which refine the silhouette of a ring. A carefully cut fine stone (sapphire, rubellite or tourmaline) will have as much presence as a diamond if the size is right.

Pay attention to:

• There symmetry

• Alignment of the facets

• If the stone is “windowed” (lets light pass through instead of reflecting it)

• The liveliness of light

Ask for information about the cutting of fine stones and precious stones: proportions, polishing, symmetry. The ideal remains to buy from trusted houses, which guarantee the quality of the cut. At Bonnot Paris, each stone is selected for its quality. Do not hesitate to request a consultation online or on site. Or consult our guide to precious and fine stones to better understand this universe.

Make my custom jewelry with choice of stone

How are gemstones cut? Lapidary techniques and tools

There gemstone cutting combines tradition and technology. Historically, the lapidary used diamond powder coated platters used for cutting stones. Today, the workshop combines old-fashioned tools with innovations. A gemstone cutting tool adapted to each phase, from roughing to polishing. We also use a gemstone cutting machine to ensure regular angles and alignments.

There hand remains decisive howeverA few fractions of a millimeter make all the difference. The lapidary observes the orientation of the inclusions and the distribution of color. He decides how to cut a precious stone or how to cut a fine stone to preserve the material and enhance the brilliance. The goal? Finding the right balance between carat weight and beautyEach facet is patiently polished. Time and experience guide each choice, down to the final touch that gives that clean shine.

Gemstone Cutting: Between Science and Emotion

From a scientific point of view, cutting optimizes internal refraction and reflection. Light enters through the table of the stone, bounces off the facets, and then re-emerges if the angles and proportions are harmonious. The more accurate the angles, the more light returns to the eye, giving brilliance and fire. This is the reason why the different sizes of gemstones follow precise principles.

But size is also a emotion. A heart-cut tsavorite garnet evokes romanticism, the cushion softness, a princess cut diamond engagement ring modernity, the emerald cut, classicism. gemstone shape that you choose also expresses your intimate language.It says something about you, and how you want to carry the light.

Bonnot Paris: your expert in precious and fine stones

Nature offers unique stones. The art of cutting reveals their soul. Choosing the right cut for precious stones means choosing a style, a presence, and an intensity. Whether you dream of dazzling brilliance, a clean line, or a unique shape, take the time to observe the light, symmetry, and polish. And trust companies that respect the work of the lapidary.

Want to create a custom piece of jewelry with a stone that suits you, and the perfect size? Explore our gemstone collections and benefit from personalized support from Bonnot Paris. We will help you select the stone and size which will magnify your story.