“B” Still My Heart: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams

You can find cutting instructions for "B" Still My Heart here.

Cutting Remarks

While reviewing my references for ideas and approaches to heart-shaped cuts, I noticed a marked scarcity of Barion hearts. This is unfortunate, because a Barion heart offers a number of advantages over more conventional heart designs. For example, it reduces the elevation angle changes needed to cut the pavilion and increases the gem's optical performance. And these aren't the least of the benefits.

I received a lot of good feedback on the "SweetHeart" cut, and quite a few people asked me for a Barion heart. So, here it is: the "B" Still My Heart design.

I based it on a round pavilion. For all practical purposes, its length to width ratio (L/W) is 1.0. Basically, you cut to center point and then shape it into a heart. Since it employs an essentially round pavilion, the heart has outstanding light return or brilliance for a quartz. This also cuts well in topaz and tourmaline with no changes. I recommend using it for a large, light to medium-colored stone. Aim for a target size of 14 mm or larger.

Notes on Light and Dark Gem Materials

If you cut this in light material, don't be afraid to tangent ratio and raise the crown angles some if you want to chase dispersion. This design has plenty of brightness to trade off against increased dispersion when cut in light materials. If you use darker material, you'll employ the full effect of the "B" Still's high light return to maximum advantage.

During the upcoming Tucson show, I'll be on the lookout for some primo rhodolite for some "B" Still My Heart garnets.

Enjoy cutting your "B" Still My Heart.

Detailed faceting instructions by Jeff Graham available at The Rock Peddler