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step cut
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Quick Facts
Also called:
Trap Cut, orCushion Cut
Related Topics:
gem cutting
See all related content
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step cut

gem cutting
Also known as: cushion cut, trap cut
Written and fact-checked by
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History

step cut, method of faceting coloured gemstones in which the stone produced is rather flat with steps, or rows, of four-sided facets parallel to the girdle (the stoneā€™s widest part). Because the facets are parallel to the girdle, they are usually long and narrow, except at the corners of the stone. The angles that the main facets make with the plane of the girdle greatly affect the brilliance of the stone. Emerald, tourmaline, topaz, and amethyst are often cut in this fashion.