facetados

Facetados is a term used in gemology to describe gemstones and crystals that have been cut and polished to reveal flat surfaces known as facets. The facets are arranged in a symmetric pattern to maximize the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light, producing brightness and color fire. The word derives from facet and faceta, through the Latin facies and the French facette.

Facetados are produced through a faceting process performed on a lapidary machine, where the cutter grinds and polishes precise angles on the stone. The overall quality of a facetado stone depends on facet alignment, symmetry, table size, depth, and girdle width, all of which influence optical performance and weight retention. Common cuts include the brilliant cut, widely associated with diamonds, and the emerald or step cut, used for many colored gemstones.

Materials and varieties: While diamonds are the most iconic facetados gemstone, many transparent minerals—such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, quartz, and topaz—are cut into facets to improve their appearance. Both natural and synthetic stones can be facetados, with synthetic options often offering a broader range of colors and clarity.

Usage and value: In jewelry and gemology, facetados stones are evaluated for brightness, color saturation, and the precision of the cut. Standard valuation factors include carat weight, clarity, color, and cut quality. Proper care helps preserve facet edges and overall appearance, with cleaning typically performed with mild solutions and gentle handling.

See also: Faceting, gemstone cut, brilliant cut, step cut.