What technique do cutters use to retain as much weight as possible from rare, high-quality rough?

The technique that cutters use to retain as much weight as possible from rare, high-quality rough is related to the proportions of the final gem. Proportions refer to the relationship between various dimensions of a cut gemstone, including its depth, width, and overall symmetry. By carefully considering these proportions, cutters can optimize the stone's shape and size to maximize its weight while still achieving the desired aesthetic qualities.

This approach is essential when working with valuable rough because maintaining as much of the original weight enhances the finished stone's value. Cutters aim to balance the beauty of the resulting gem with weight retention, often making strategic decisions about angles and cut styles to achieve this goal. For instance, a well-proportioned cut will enhance light performance without excessively sacrificing weight.

In contrast, other techniques mentioned do not focus primarily on maximizing weight retention. For instance, bruting refers to the process of shaping the rough stone into a rounded form but does not specifically address weight retention. Cobbing involves removing large, unwanted pieces of rough to improve the overall quality of the final cut, which can result in greater loss of weight. Splitting may be used for specific types of gems but is not a typical weight-retention technique for high-quality rough.