One World Gemstone – Custom Faceted Gemstones

Madagascar Sphene 2.15 ct

#153 Design by Fred Van Sant
Faceted by Jim Foster

1. Who designed the gem?

Fred Van Sant #153

2. How common is this design? Is it based on a traditional design?

Cushion but uncommon cut.

3. Why is the gemstone this particular shape? This seems perhaps an obvious question, but you may be surprised by the answer. Stones are cut in particular designs for many reasons. You will learn a bit more about the story of the stone here – the process from rough to finished gem.

Fit the rough best and Fredʼs designs are among the best for high RI stones.

4. How does a particular design reflect light? What are the best lighting conditions for a particular stone?

Reflects light very well. I think Tyler Allen used this one in last years gemmy contest.

http://www.colored-stone.com/stories/jan08/gemmys.cfm

5. Who faceted the gem? How long did it take to facet this stone? How many facets are there, and how does the number of facets affect lighting performance on this particular stone?

I faceted it and it took me an afternoon. There are 81 facets. This stone has about as many facets as necessary. Too small and they tend to be blurry.

6. What was the final polish on the gemstone? Ask about the different grades of final polish. Which polish tends to round the facets in custom cut stones.

Alumina Dynalap was used for the crown polish, 14K in wax on Corian for the prepolish.

I used an alumina

7. Is it really important that all the meetpoints are precise in a custom cut stone? How does this affect lighting performance? How does this affect the stone when view at arms length in a ring (for example).

Precise meetpoints means overall good technique and craftsmanship.

8. is the girdle polished? Why is it important to polish the girdle if the girdle mostly hidden in a setting?

I think this is a craftsmanship issue again. It canʼt help but improve light return to the crown so yes, this girdle is polished - all of my girdles are polished.

9. Is the girdle faceted or rounded?

Faceted

10. What are the best applications for a particular stone. How easy is it to set. Will this stone be best for earrings, pendant or ring? And why?

Too soft for a ring - a pendant with diamond accents would be my thought.

11. Is the stone natural? Synthetic or heat treated? What is the industry standard with this particular stone in terms of treatment.

This is an untreated stone - including heat.

12. How do I determine if the gemstone Iʼm interested in is priced fairly? How are prices established on custom cut stones?

The Guide if you have one. They are paying more attention to the cut itself.

13. Where was the gem rough purchased? Who imported the gem rough? Where did you buy the stone or rough – through a brokerage or a specific rough dealer?
The rough was purchased from Tom Cushman who imported the rough from Madagascar and owns mines there.

14. What are the mining practices in the country of origin?

Tom is known in the industry and is teaching faceting to people in Madagascar so they can gain maximum value from their mined products. I feel he treats his employees well.