Gemstone Shape and Cut

Asscher Cut Gemstones

The Asscher cut is a modified emerald cut with a square shape, cut corners and a deep pavilion. The result is greater brilliance and fire

Concave Cut Gemstones

Concave cutting is a recent innovation that uses curved rather than flat facets, resulting in a more brilliant gem. But not everyone is impressed

Culet in Cut Gems

The culet is the tiny facet at the very bottom of many faceted gemstones. Some gems are cut with a closed culet.

Faceted Gemstones

The art of faceting enhances the brilliance and luster of gemstones. Buy faceted gemstones online at GemSelect.

Gem Pavilion, Girdle and Crown Guide

A GemSelect guide to colored gemstone anatomy, learn how to identify a gem's pavilion, girdle and crown, and about different cutting styles and why they a...

Gemstone Beads

Beads and drilled gemstones for jewellery designs are becoming popular, learn how to use natural gemstone beads to design your own jewellery.

Gemstone Carvings and Engravings: Artistic Decor

Explore the beauty of gemstone carvings and engravings and how they enhance your décor with unique artisan craftsmanship.

Gemstone Scintillation

Well-cut faceted gemstones display 3 different illumination effects: brilliance, scintillation and fire

Gemstone Shape and Cut - What is the difference?

You may think shape, cut and facet all mean the same thing but read this article to discover the differences between pear shape, rose-cut and a faceted pavilion

Gemstones that Sparkle - Which ones have the most dazzle?

Diamonds are the most famous sparklers but there are a few gemstones such as zircon and sphene that could be even more brilliant. See our top ranked stones...

Intro to Setting Gemstones into Jewelry Mountings: GemSelect

An introduction to the topic of having colored gemstones set into fine jewelry mountings. Learn about different types of settings, mountings and jewelry fi...

Native Cut Gemstones

Native cut is a term often used to denote poorly cut gemstones. But many native cut gems are designed to maximize color.

Princess-Cut Gemstones

The princess cut is a recent innovation, designed to maximize brilliance and fire in square gemstones

Prong Vs. Bezel Settings

Prongs and bezel settings have advantages and disadvantages. Learn about prong (or claw) settings and bezel settings for gemstone jewelry.

Tension Settings

Tension settings use compression to hold a gemstone in place. The designs are stunning, but are these setting secure?

Trilliant Cut Gems

Trilliant cut gemstones are cut in a triangular shape, usually with 43 or more facets.

Types of Settings for Gemstones - Gem Settings

The main types of gemstone settings are the prong or claw, the bezel, the channel setting, the invisible setting, and the pave