fasetter

Fasetter, also spelled facetter or faceter, is a lapidary artisan who facets gemstones, shaping flat faces to enhance brilliance, color, and overall symmetry. The term derives from facet, which in turn comes from Old French facette meaning a small face.

The work is performed with a faceting machine, a dop mount, and progressively finer diamond-grit laps. The process typically begins with blocking and preforming the rough stone, followed by the creation of the crown and pavilion facets, and finishing with polishing facets to a high luster. Accuracy in facet angles, alignment, and symmetry is critical, as small deviations affect light return and the stone’s optical performance. A well-cut gemstone can exhibit optimal brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

Materials and scope: While diamonds are common subjects and materials for practice, faceters work on a wide range of stones, including ruby, sapphire, emerald, garnet, quartz, and synthetic equivalents. Stone anatomy used in the process includes the table, crown, pavilion, girdle, and culet, which guide the arrangement and orientation of the facets.

Quality and evaluation: Cut quality is judged by symmetry, facet junctions, polish, and the precision of angles. The goal is to maximize light performance while preserving the stone’s integrity.

Training and career: Many fasetter strain through formal courses, guild or club instruction, and apprenticeships, or learn in jewelry studios. Facilities range from small workshops to professional lapidaries that prepare stones for retail settings.