[Jewelry making - Article 00403] - Re: [Orchid] Bezel setting faceted stones

[coralnut]

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Trevor,

    We agree but possibly for different reasons.  It has already been
    pointed out that 'windowing' is one way to lighten a dark stone that
    otherwise might just look like a lump of coal.  One can sometimes
    look right through a colored stone but still percieve the color.  A
    good cutter can also control the windowing to a certain amount,
    selecting how much  reflection/refraction can be lost without
    completely loosing it!  This is done by adjusting the pavilion main
    angles so that the pavilion is deeper (deeping the color) or
    shallower to decrease the depth of color. At some point, depending
    on the unique critical angle of the stone being cut, more and more 
    light is lost and, while the stone looses brilliance and/or
    scintallation, the color may be improved. Another factor is the
    depth (length) of the break facets. Some scintallation can be
    recovered by lengthening the breaks or color can be lightened by
    shortening them. 

    Windowing in a diamond is a no-no but it can serve a purpose in
    colored stones. 

    I used to make $ by purchasing cheap (but otherwise reasonably good
    quality ) windowed stones and recutting them.  They make perfect
    preforms! 

    Also, I have purposely cut clear quartz below the critical angle to
    achieve a prefect window and cut the surrounding stars and breaks at
    their proper angles. The result is a stone with very nice
    brillance/scintallation around the table but the table will show
    whatever color is placed behind it.  Nice conversation pieces. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net

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