Recutting Diamonds and Colored Gemstones

A Note on Antique Gemstone Cuts

To determine if recutting is worthwhile, you’ll also need to know how to value old style cuts. Old mine and European cuts are no longer used. You won’t find them in pricing guides. For appraisal purposes, calculate their value after recutting. In contrast, the rose cut is an antique style that’s enjoying a resurgence of popularity.

What Makes Recutting Diamonds and Other Gems Worthwhile?

Generally, four situations make recutting diamonds or colored gemstones worthwhile:

• Repairing damage.
• Increasing the clarity grade by removing inclusions.
• Re-proportioning to improve optical performance.
• Buying and repairing damaged diamonds.

This article focuses primarily on recutting diamonds, since you’ll work with these gems most often. The final section deals with the differences between recutting colored stones and diamonds.

A 4.82-ct tanzanite, recut into a unique 3.90-ct custom cushion that fit the shape of the existing stone. © CustomMade. Used with permission.

Recutting Diamonds to Repair Damage

You’ll see diamonds with all levels of damage. With a simple re-polishing, you can correct minor blemishes and finish faults. While you can repair some damaged stones simply by cutting a new facet,…

Donald Clark, CSM IMG

Donald Clark, CSM founded the International Gem Society in 1998. Donald started in the gem and jewelry industry in 1976. He received his formal gemology training from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Society of Gemcutters (ASG). The letters “CSM” after his name stood for Certified Supreme Master Gemcutter, a designation of Wykoff’s ASG which has often been referred to as the doctorate of gem cutting. The American Society of Gemcutters only had 54 people reach this level. Along with dozens of articles for leading trade magazines, Donald authored the book Modern Faceting, the Easy Way.

View All Articles

Previous Lesson

Introduction to Gem Cutting Styles

Go to PREVIOUS Lesson

Next Lesson

The Fifth C: What Determines Diamond Cost?

Go to NEXT Lesson