“Each cutting style offers unique benefits to the gemstones, whether that means enhanced colour, weight retention, or more sparkle.” When the cutter picks up a piece of rough in order to plan the cut, they must make many complex decisions around how the stone will be cut, with respect to the rough stone’s original shape, colour, and weight. Some laboratories are starting to issue cut grades on reports and a few have even offered the option of including the cutter’s name as an attempt to add value and provenance to a gemstone.Įach type of cutting style offers unique benefits to the gemstones, whether that means enhanced colour, weight retention, or more sparkle.

Gemstone grading laboratories started issuing cut grades on diamonds in 2006 – which caused the entire diamond industry to become more conscious of the cutting quality – but in coloured gemstones, this revolution has yet to arrive.

Once upon a time, buyers of coloured stones were solely focused on colour and size, but in the 21st Century, gemstone and jewellery customers are becoming more aware of the effect of the cut on coloured gemstones. She added: “The donations also go towards researching cancer cures, so between donating my hair and the money we have raised it has been an amazing experience.Justin K Prim explores the fascinating variety of coloured gemstone cuts and how each one enhances the rough crystal to its full potential. Sarah said she was so grateful for all the donations she has received and the current total was “amazing”. She said she first heard about the charity last year and added: “I always knew that it was something I really wanted to do when I was ready.” I have had really long hair for as long as I can remember, but I was definitely ready for a change.” “On the day I was nervous, but excited at the same time. “I wanted to do this because I felt that it was a waste for my 14-inch ponytail to end up in the bin instead of helping poorly children cope with their hair loss,” she said. She initially hoped to raise £550, the starting cost to make one wig, and she has already raised more than £600. The organisation makes real hair wigs for children and young people under 25yrs who are affected by illnesses which result in hair loss. Sarah Campbell, from Lentran near Kirkhill, has had long hair for as long as she can remember and wanted to help the Little Princess Trust charity. When a 13-year-old girl wanted to change her hairstyle she decided to raise money for a good cause.

Sarah Campbell, centre, gets her ponytail cut for the Little Princess Trust charity with mum Morag, and Laura Simpson at Lovit hair salon in Beauly.

A cut above