Color is one of the biggest factors that draws us to gemstones, but sparkle is a close second. Faceting is what creates the most dazzle in gemstone jewelry, but if you chose a piece with checkerboard gem cuts, you are going to be wearing something extra special!

If you look closely at your sparkling gemstones, you’ll notice that the back of the stone often has gem cuts. These cuts are called brilliant when they are performed on oval and round stones, and step cuts on princess and baguette gems. The setting is left open in the back so that light will shine through the stone, creating sparkle.

When you look a checkerboard-cut gem, the faceting is on the top of the stone. That makes this gem cut perfect for opaque or semi-translucent gems like our Lemon quartz ring or moonstone ring.

The dazzle becomes extreme when checker board cuts are added to a clear gem-cut stone. That means your jewelry has faceting on the front and the back.  Just as in gem-cutting on the back of the stone, the finer the checkerboard cuts, the more intense the sparkle.

A checkerboard-cut gemstone ring or pendant can add that little extra “pop” to your wardrobe. These pieces are perfect for work or play, and even can be paired with your more dramatic jewelry for a night on the town. Look for dazzling amethyst, lemon quartz and smoky quartz gems with checkerboard cuts.

Add some more sparkle to your life with a piece of jewelry with checkerboard cuts. You’ll love it!

By Tammy