Color is one of the biggest factors that draws us to gemstones, but sparkle is a close second. Faceting may create the most dazzle in gemstone jewelry, but choosing a piece with checkerboard gem cuts ensures that you are wearing something extra special!

A closer look at gemstones shows that they often have gem cuts on the back. These cuts are called brilliant cuts when performed on oval and round stones, and step cuts when performed on princess and baguette gems. The setting is left open in the back, so that light can shine through, creating a special sparkle.

When you look at a checkerboard-cut gem, however, the faceting is on the top of the stone, which makes this gem cut perfect for opaque or semi-translucent gems, like our lemon quartz ring and Brazilian amethyst ring.

When checkerboard cuts are added to a clear gem-cut stone, it will have faceting on both the front and the back, creating double the dazzle. And just as with gem cuts on the back of the stone: the finer the checkerboard cuts, the more intense the sparkle.

Checkerboard-cut gemstone rings or pendants effortlessly add an extra “pop” to any wardrobe. Choose rose quartz for work and play, and dramatic amethyst pieces for a night on the town.

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

By Tammy