Before becoming the precious stones that we find in the windows of jewelry stores, gems must follow a long journey, from extraction to cutting . This rigorous process, which includes several crucial steps, is essential to reveal the natural beauty and guarantee the quality of each precious stone. In this article, we invite you to explore the different phases of transformation of a rough stone into a dazzling gem.
Step 1: Extraction of raw stones
The journey of gemstones begins with the extraction of the rough stone in mines. This step, often carried out in specific geographical areas, can involve techniques such as open-pit mining, underground shafts or sieving of river sediments. The goal is to extract the stones without damaging their crystalline structure. Diamonds , rubies , sapphires and emeralds are often mined in regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.
Step 2: The first evaluation of the stones
Once extracted, rough stones are evaluated to determine their quality and potential. Gemologists examine the color, clarity, cut and shape of the stones, which helps identify the most promising specimens. Some stones, due to their internal structure or inclusions, may be reserved for cutting while others may be used as is in jewelry for their unique character.
Step 3: Gemstone Sizing
Gemstone cutting is a key step that aims to maximize the brilliance and appeal of the gem. Gemstone cutters, also called lapidaries, choose the cut based on the stone's natural shape and characteristics. A successful cut optimizes the reflection of light through the stone, creating maximum sparkle. The most common types of cut include:
- The brilliant cut : Often used for diamonds, it includes 58 facets and aims to maximize sparkle.
- Emerald Cut : A rectangular cut with wide facets, ideal for transparent stones such as emeralds.
- The oval cut : It combines the brilliance of the brilliant cut with an elongated shape, suitable for sapphires and rubies.
Step 4: Polishing to reveal the shine
After cutting, gemstones go through a polishing step. Polishing smooths the facets and improves the reflection of light on the surface of the gem. This step is essential to reveal the true beauty of the stone and give it its final shine. Quality polishing ensures that the stones retain their brilliance over the long term.
Step 5: Certification and Authentication
To ensure the quality of gemstones , they must be certified by recognized gemmological laboratories. These organizations evaluate the characteristics of the stones, such as color, clarity, size and carat weight, and issue a certificate of authenticity . At Fancyni Group, all our gemstones are accompanied by certificates issued by experts, guaranteeing their origin and quality.
This meticulous process, from extraction to certification, ensures that only gemstones of exceptional quality reach you. Discover our collection of precious stones rigorously selected for their beauty and authenticity.
Continue your exploration by reading Chapter 4: The Four Precious Stones – Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds . Discover the unique characteristics of these iconic gems and why they are so highly prized around the world.