What is intended color zoning in gemstones?

Intended color zoning in gemstones refers to the visible face-up color patterns that a gemcutter has planned during the cutting process. This means that the cutter may choose to position the stone in a way that highlights certain colors or patterns intentionally. By selecting how to orient and facet the gemstone, the cutter enhances its visual appeal and creates a specific look that takes advantage of the natural colors present in the rough material.

This method of cutting can dramatically affect the final appearance and is often employed to take advantage of variations in color and saturation, thereby creating a more desirable or aesthetically pleasing gemstone. The success of intended color zoning relies on the skill of the cutter to recognize and manipulate these variations effectively.