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Cutting Techniques

Every method in lapidary comes down to two core disciplines. Understanding the difference, and the logic of angles behind each, makes every guide on this site easier to follow.

Faceting

One of the most precise methods. It involves cutting flat surfaces in a symmetrical pattern to maximize how light reflects within the stone. Commonly used for transparent gemstones.

Cabochon cutting

Focuses on creating smooth, rounded stones without facets. Often used for opaque or translucent materials, where color and internal patterns matter more than brilliance.

Understanding angles and tiers

A facet pattern is defined by angles measured from the girdle, the stone’s widest point, and organized into tiers, which are rings of facets cut at the same angle. Getting these angles consistent, tier by tier, is what separates a clean cut from a cloudy one. Even small angle errors change how light reflects back through the crown.

Working with the index gear

Your faceting machine’s index gear locks the stone at precise rotational positions, so each facet in a tier is cut at the same angle and depth as the last. Learning to trust the index rather than eyeballing symmetry is one of the biggest jumps from beginner to intermediate cutting.

Where to go from here

Put this into practice

New to lapidary?

Start with the beginner guide before diving into technique details.

See the full process

From selecting rough stone to the final polish, step by step.

Apply it to a real cut

The Round Cut guide is the clearest place to practice angles and tiers.

Understand your machine

See how the index gear and angle controls actually work.

Ready to try it on a real stone?

The Round Cut guide is the best place to put angles and tiers into practice for the first time.

Start the Round Cut Guide →