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Gemstones can also be shaped by faceting. In this
style, the gemstone is cut so that it has a large number of flat faces,
or facets. Faceting takes advantage of cleavage, the natural
planes of weakness in minerals. For example, an uncut diamond is
difficult to cut, since it is one of the hardest substances known. A
lapidarist has to take into account the different natural cleavage
planes to assist in cutting the diamond. An uncut diamond is not pretty
to wear. But a correctly faceted diamond can make a rainbow of every ray
of light.
A jeweler adds value to a faceted gem by setting
it in an appealing ring or bracelet.
Diamond ring
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Uncut diamond
A lapidarist at work
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