Which type of cut required the most amount of time and skill?

[chictomato]

Hi there! There are quite a number of cuts for colored stones. I was wondering which type of cut is the most challenging for a gem cutter? Which cut requires more time and precision? tks!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I am not a cutter, so...

The fancy cuts that are featured on exhibitions and cutting contests can take many, many hours to complete. These are not commercial cuts (and it would be very hard for it be commercially feasible outside a very rarefied collector world).

 

[Fly Girl]

I nominate Richard Homer''s 21 culet round concave geodesic. He writes that this 40.65 ct amethyst is an: "Award-winning design; THE most difficult design I have ever created...stunning gemstone; 21 culets!"

 

[chictomato]

WoW

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 10/27/2009 10:19:59 PM
Author: chictomato
WoW

Yep. RH is a precision cutter extraordinaire. I have pictures of more of his amazing cuts here. Link

 

[chrono]

I''ve heard that rounds are the easiest and fastest. Per Gene, of all the "standard" shapes, the asscher is one of the most time consuming. I would think that the more complicated the design (lots of facets or something more fancy), the more skill and time is needed. John Dyer''s cutting is very unique and probably requires high level skill.John Dyer