Colored gemstones are commonly re-cut to enhance their beauty (value) or to repair damage. The economics of re-cutting poorly cut gemstones to improve their color and sparkle and, therefore, improve value will depend on the loss of weight versus the gain in grade. Methods to guide the decision as to when the re-cutting cost will be economically rewarding will be discussed. 

Additionally, this paper will describe the techniques used in re-cutting colored gemstones including tips on using dental tools to do simple repairs at the jeweler’s bench. Tasks such as polishing cabochons in the setting and modifying setting nightmares like knife-edge girdles are covered. The mechanics of gemstone polish will also be described to provide insight when repairing gemstones. 

Author: Nancy Attaway