Fuli Gemstones and Navneet Gems & Minerals have both unveiled special cuts to enhance the appeal of peridots and rubies, respectively.

Based on an antique cushion, the contemporary ‘Fuli Cut’ for peridot contains 65 facets, instead of the usual 58. The gemstone is also cut on the cross, revealing Fuli’s distinctive vivid green colour and liveliness. 

According to Fuli Gemstones, the new cut capitalises on two of peridot’s special gemmological features. These are pleochrism, where a gemstone shows different colours when viewed from different angles; and high birefringence, an optical property where a single ray of light entering the peridot splits into two rays and creates a visual illusion of doubling of the facets.

Fuli Gemstones is the custodian of the largest known peridot mine in the world. 

Thailand-based Navneet Gems & Minerals, for its part, has launched a collection of responsibly sourced unheated portrait-cut rubies in trendy geometric shapes ranging from 0.50 carat to 2 carats. 

Noting that alternative cuts are increasingly popular in jewellery markets around the world, the company said its selection of portrait-cut rubies open new creative opportunities for designers and manufacturers. Portrait cuts have been mostly used for diamonds.

“Just as red diamonds are exceptionally rare, high-quality rubies with intense red colour are also relatively scarce. Opting for an unheated portrait-cut ruby can be an excellent choice for those who appreciate something rare and distinctive,” said company director Navneet Agarwal.

Much like a long, slender pane of transparent glass, the “portrait-cut” also called a lasque is a thin, flat cut with a large table and slight facets on the side. 

“Portrait cuts give the impression of a bigger gemstone and promise a great value for money in terms of visual impact,” said Agarwal.