The difference cut and uncut

Raw Gemstones:

• Initial State: Raw gemstones are natural crystals or mineral deposits as they are found in the earth. At this stage, they are often unrecognizable compared to their polished counterparts, appearing dull and lacking the sparkle that gemstones are famous for.
• Surface: These stones have not been cleaned, polished, or tampered with in any form, and thus they retain their original surface, which may be covered in other surrounding rock or earth, often referred to as the matrix or gangue.
• Shape and Size: The shape and size of raw gemstones are as nature formed them, with no human alteration. They are typically irregular and rough.
• Uses: Generally, raw gemstones are acquired by collectors, museums, educational institutions, or gemstone cutters for study, display, or transformation into more refined forms.

Uncut Gemstones:

• Initial State: Uncut gemstones, also known as rough gemstones, have been extracted from their natural environment and cleaned of any excess rock or dirt, making the actual stone visible. However, they have not yet been shaped or enhanced by any form of gemstone processing.
• Surface: While cleaned, the surface of uncut gemstones is still rugged, natural, and devoid of any polish or shine that comes through further processing.
• Shape and Size: These gemstones remain in their natural form but are typically broken or cleaved from a larger deposit or crystal group. They may be sorted by size and potential quality, assessed for inclusions, color zones, and other factors that determine their value and how they might be cut.
• Uses: Uncut gemstones are usually bought by gemstone cutters or jewelers. They study each stone’s unique properties to decide the cutting style that will maximize the stone’s beauty, size, and value.

Cut Gemstones:

• Initial State: These are gemstones that have been skillfully cut from the rough, transforming them into their sparkling, aesthetically pleasing forms. This is the final stage where the gemstones reach their full potential.
• Surface: Cut gemstones are defined by their smooth surfaces, whether they’re fashioned into one of the various shapes like round, oval, pear, or more unique cuts like heart or marquise. Their facets are symmetrically arranged plane surfaces that are carefully crafted to maximize the gemstone’s brilliance and color.
• Shape and Size: At this stage, the gemstone has been purposefully shaped, with excess material removed, and is often symmetrically proportioned. The cutting process involves skillful techniques to minimize flaws and enhance the stone’s natural properties, such as color dispersion or “fire.”
• Uses: Cut gemstones are most commonly set in jewelry but are also purchased by collectors or investors. They showcase the stone’s best qualities, including color, clarity, and the interplay of light.