Creating Custom Jewelry with Raw Diamonds and Gemstones
The fashion world has returned to nature this spring with several popular designers using raw gems for their runway accessories. And while it’s typical for Fashion Week trends – whether spotted in Paris, Milan, or New York – to commonly only last a season (or two) at best, the authentic beauty of raw gemstones and diamonds is timeless. If you want a distinctive piece of custom jewelry that’s intended to be treasured forever rather than forgotten about at the turn of the season, don’t dismiss raw or rough cut gems as a passing trend.
Breaking the Mold
When shopping for jewelry in a conventional boutique, there’s an emphasis on the cut of the stone, as if a particular cut will somehow make the stone more valuable. We’re not going to deny that a particularly well-cut gem does look beautiful, but there’s also something to be said for the natural splendor of rough gemstones. Rough cut gemstone jewelry is much more than simply placing a stone into a setting and hoping it looks good. There may have to be some minimal cutting and reshaping to make the stone easier to put into a setting or bezel; but, once it’s done, it’s presented in its raw, unadorned glory. For example, if there’s an amethyst that has a small spur which keeps the stone from being relatively even, that might be cut away while leaving the rest of the rough gem intact. It’s an intentionally minimalist approach, but one that is designed to enhance the inherent appeal of the natural stone rather than cutting it to conform to a preconceived notion of beauty.
Diamonds in the Rough
Just because the cut is rough doesn’t mean the gem is completely unpolished. A certain degree of polish work is to be expected; just enough to highlight the natural features of the stone and to make sure the wearer isn’t scratched by their jewelry. A rough cut diamond ring might not get a high rating for clarity from a major gemological society, but it’ll certainly get people talking with its natural occlusions and rough-hewn appearance that make the stone completely unique. Obtaining raw precious and semi-precious gemstones isn’t as hard as you might think. Amethysts and citrines can both be found in and around quartz formations. Other raw stones such as emeralds and sapphires are a little harder to come by. Remember that they are intentionally unrefined and radiating with their own unique character and charm.
Natural Beauty
Ultimately, this look is about showcasing the gem as close to its original, natural state as possible. There are always going to be stones which are meticulously cut and polished, but that is a look you see every day. With raw diamonds and gemstones expertly placed in complementary settings by Abby Sparks Jewelry, the wearer is making a clear statement that they are as unique as the one-of-a-kind piece on their body.
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