The Science of Gemcutting
A one day workshop experience
Learn the Secrets behind the Art of Gemcutting
The Science of Gemcutting one day workshop combines traditional gemological knowledge with an advanced understanding of optics to help you understand WHY different cuts help or hurt the color and brightness of a stone as well as WHAT each of the traditional cutting styles does for light and dark toned stones.
The course was written to complement our Faceting Bootcamp course but can also be taken by itself.
This course will cover advanced optics that haven’t been previously presented; software design, design aesthetics (with a historic and scientific analysis of 25 classic cuts), along with an extensive exploration of color and how the cutter can manipulate and master it through cut design. The course will also demonstrate the CAD software GemCutStudio in order to modify the design of a pre-existing stone to prepare it for an optimal recut.
This course will cover advanced optics that haven’t been previously presented; software design, design aesthetics (with a historic and scientific analysis of 25 classic cuts), along with an extensive exploration of color and how the cutter can manipulate and master it through cut design. The course will also demonstrate the CAD software GemCutStudio in order to modify the design of a pre-existing stone to prepare it for an optimal recut.
Learning objectives
*Make better buying decision by learning what good and bad cutting looks like
*Discover how gemology is used in the process of cutting and recutting gemstones
*Learn the science that dictates whether a stone does or doesn’t perform well
*Understand why the quality of the cut matters and learn how an understanding of the gemological properties of different materials plays a critical role for the master cutter
*Compare a variety of cuts to determine how different designs can make or break a stone in terms of : beauty, brilliance, color, and more.
*Discover how gemology is used in the process of cutting and recutting gemstones
*Learn the science that dictates whether a stone does or doesn’t perform well
*Understand why the quality of the cut matters and learn how an understanding of the gemological properties of different materials plays a critical role for the master cutter
*Compare a variety of cuts to determine how different designs can make or break a stone in terms of : beauty, brilliance, color, and more.
Who Should Take This Course
This workshop is for anyone in the gem and gemcutting trade who wants to dive deeper into the physical world of gemcutting. It’s ideal for gemologists who want to understand how science comes into play during the gem cutting process, as well as the gem dealer or jeweler who wants a better understanding of what to look for when buying cut stones and what to ask for when commissioning a lapidary to cut or recut a stone for maximum beauty.
What's Included in the Class?
*The workshop lasts one day, 9:30am-5:30pm.
*Students will be presented with a variety gemstones samples to accompany the day-long seminar.
*Students will take home a certificate of completion.
*Students will be presented with a variety gemstones samples to accompany the day-long seminar.
*Students will take home a certificate of completion.
Your Instructor
Justin K Prim is an American gemcutter and author. He has been cutting gemstones since 2013 and has trained under professional cutters in the United States, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Switzerland. To support his work as a gemcutter, he has attended gemology programs at GIA and AIGS. He has travelled around the world to various gem producing regions to learn about rough and has visited mines in Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Europe, and the Americas.
Justin previously taught faceting at the Institute of Gem Trading in Bangkok as well as teaching gemology courses at AIGS, Bangkok. He recently released his first book, The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting, which collects the world's classic faceting wisdom and patterns and presents them in an easy to cut format. Aside from teaching and writing, Justin also gives talks round the world about faceting history.
To see Justin’s work, check out his Instagram profile: @justinkprim
Justin previously taught faceting at the Institute of Gem Trading in Bangkok as well as teaching gemology courses at AIGS, Bangkok. He recently released his first book, The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting, which collects the world's classic faceting wisdom and patterns and presents them in an easy to cut format. Aside from teaching and writing, Justin also gives talks round the world about faceting history.
To see Justin’s work, check out his Instagram profile: @justinkprim
