The Ruby seen in the picture above is known as a ‘half facet’. The amethyst ovals are what is called “fully-faceted”. (Many probably already know this, but some do not) The half faceted Ruby has a table top and crown facets. (Some have star facets as well, but there is not a lot of visual difference between the two.) It’s Girdle sides are square cut down to the very Culet (or pavilion bottom), not diagonal as in a facet and not even sloped as in a cabochon, but straight down. This cut is preferred when using the Bezel Set method of harnessing the gemstone. Here however, we’ll use the Claw to harness the Ruby.
Overall, all of the gemstones in the kit are oval. The Ruby measures 10x14mm, but some are slightly different in size. The oval amethyst gemstones are the same beautiful color and cuts of those in the larger lots. Here, they have simply been separated into smaller “kits” to make it easier for the artists to buy them.
Introducing Half-Facets. If you have not seen them before, take a look at the Ruby.