Octagon

Step cuts with octagonal facets are characterised by parallel facets arranged in a step shape. The most common variations of the step cut are the emerald cut and the asscher cut. Both cuts are characterised by oblique, four-sided facets that run parallel to the ridge of the gemstone. A characteristic feature of these cuts is the cut corners, as square corners are generally more prone to breakage.
The main advantage of the staircase cut is that it preserves the weight of the rough stone better than, for example, the brilliant cut and is also suitable for brittle gemstones. The emerald cut was developed specifically for emeralds, a gemstone known for its brittleness.

However, the step cut can also highlight inclusions and other imperfections in the stone. While step cuts cannot match the brilliance or fire of a brilliant cut, they do accentuate the purity of the gemstone and give it a more subtle and transparent appearance.

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Facts

properties of sapphire

  • Belongs mineralogically to corundum
  • Hardness grade 9
  • Chemical formula: Al2O3
  • Includes all colors except red, red corundum is called "ruby
  • Coloration generally by metal oxides (e.g. blue: titanium oxide)
  • High density of 3.9 - 4.1

origin

worth knowing

  • Oldest known locality: Burma
  • The legendary place of discovery: "Kashmir"
  • Assigned to the planet Saturn
  • Besides blue, pink sapphire is especially sought after: "hot pink".
  • The most recently discovered localities are Madagascar and Ethiopia

investment in sapphire

  • second most suitable of all gemstones for investment
  • less rare than ruby but also strongly increasing in value
  • Stones should have at least 1 ct weight, better from 3 ct.
  • larger stones have higher increase in value
  • Experts reckon with 6% increase in value per year
  • beautiful sparkling sapphires are preferable
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