This is the Laher Engagement Ring Journal.

Today, we’re talking how to allocate budget accordingly…

The Premium Of Precision Cut

You may have heard this term, “precision cut” and assumed it’s simply a descriptive term used to pump the tires of a gemstone, however it’s a specific cutting approach that comes with significant value and advantage that is worth double-clicking on.

So, let’s briefly touch on it.

We’ve recently released two precision cut green sapphire designs, that are have been lucky enough to have been cut by one of Australia’s best gemstone cutters.

Trilogy of Oval & Pear, as well as, a Three Stone Of Radiant and Trapezoid.

Firstly, let me give you a quick breakdown of the differences between Precision Cut vs Commercial (or Native) Cut.

Commercial Cut, prioritises speed and material preservation. In essence, they are cut with economies of scale in mind - the need to produce a lot of these stones in an economically fast time, as well as trying to retain as much carat weight as possible. Therefore, cutting as little as possible off the rough, even if this comes at a cost of clarity and sparkle return.

Precision Cut, optimises for brilliance and sparkle. It’s a far more labour intensive process and every facet is cut with the intention of enhancing colour and the overall aesthetic sparkle of the stone. Due to the higher costs of this approach, this process is generally undertaken in local markets - for example, here in Australia.

It is important to note that regions that predominately produce commercial cut stones aren’t necessarily incapable of higher detailing in the faceting process, it is more a function of the ‘contracts’ they are given, in such they are required to churn out high volumes of these stones in order to be a profitable operation.

You can find precision cut stones offshore, however it is more likely that these regions are simply prioritising for different needs.

For context, the vast majority of coloured gemstones that are sold here in Australia, will be commercial cut and these cover a vast variety of cut quality. There is nothing inherently wrong/poor quality in these styles of cuts, however they will generally be of a lower tier price point and perform less on the characteristics of brilliance and sparkle.

These two new gemstones in our One Of A Kind collection (mentioned above) are a great example of the premium that you can find be locally sourced and cut gemstones.

Often, it really needs to be seen on your hand, with a side by side comparison - however when it is, the difference is truly outstanding.

Beyond the overall brilliance, another focus that I always like to reference is the faceted girdle, which is the rim around the stone - see below.

Paying attention to such a fine detail on an oval cut stone, is seen as unnecessary for commercially cut stones, however it adds such amazing quality depth to the designs.

We have made the move to predominately work with precision cut gemstones from local suppliers here in Australia, for two reasons:

The gemstone is the hero and we feel that allocating as much focus to the quality of this stone, is essential

The additional transparency of provenance is an amazing feature of these stones, in which we are able to track the stone from the mine to your finger. With local precision cut stones, we are able to tell you which mine they came from, who cut the stone and the number of hands it passed through before you - which is generally single digit. That’s a beautiful, unique thing.

If you want to listen to a more in-depth breakdown, be sure to watch our latest breakdown on Precision Cut vs Native Cut.