Proper orientation of the rough material is essential to insure the maximum
brilliance in a gemstone. Shadows will occur because of light loss if the stone
is cut to retain carat weight. The way to judge cutting is the amount of brilliance
(life) the gemstone returns to the eye. Well cut gemstones will "talk" to you with
their brilliance.
A poorly cut gemstone is easily noticed. A large washed out center, or "window",
in a gemstone is a result of incorrect proportions. This occurs generally when
the stone is cut too shallow. Gemstones cut too deep will wash out around the
edge of the stone. Flat or overly deep gemstones may prove a problem in setting
also.