Faceted
Glass Beads Facet is a flat edge of a cut stone. Faceted beads are cut to
produce multiple flat faces for a dazzling effect. Each different cut of a
faceted bead has a different number of facets. The accumulation of different
angled facets allow light to bounce from one to the next which creates a
spectrum of colors and brilliance.
What is Faceting of Beads?
Faceting is the method or technique of cutting and polishing a stone bead surface in order to get maximum brilliance. Faceting is done by hands and by faceting machines too. By cutting and polishing the beads and gems, it is made possible for light to enter the stone and bend in different positions. This is called refraction in gemology. A refractometer is used by the faceters to measure the speed and angle of light as it enters a gemstone. Many a times, refractive index is the key to gem identification. The faceted gemstone beads such as diamond beads, ruby beads, emerald beads etc. are attributed value depending upon their refractive index granted through faceting. Sometimes 'Shaving' is also done to create a faceted bead. Shaving is the cutting of a stone generously across the table (largest facet or crown of the gemstone) while allowing for very little depth. Shaving makes a stone appear to be of higher carat weight than it is.Different Cuts of Faceted Beads
Cut is the method of faceting a gem. A gem bead is faceted in various ways.Single cut: A faceted bead made with single cut consists of seventeen facets or less.
Swiss cut: A faceted stone bead consisting of thirty-three facets.
Brilliant cut: Faceted beads that have a brilliant cut are round-shaped stones consisting of a minimum of fifty-eight facets.
Step cut: It is also called emerald cut. When a faceted bead is made with a step cut, it acquires rectangular facets along its perimeter.
Full
cut: It is a round-shaped, brilliant-cut gem of small proportions. It is
mostly used to describe accent diamonds. However, the term may be used to
denote colored beads of gems as well.Fancy Cut: Faceted beads with fancy cut are the stones that are given unusual shapes. For example, triangle beads or heart beads with facets can be called fancy cut beads. Fantasy Cut: Fantasy cut style of faceted beads have facets that are arbitrarily placed.
Rose cut: It is an age-old art of faceting a stone. Here the faceted bead is cut in a manner that it looks like an opening rose. This cut gives birth to one of the most exquisite type of flower beads. This cut is usually seen in groups of six. This method of rose cutting is sometimes used in making marcasite jewelry.
Cabochon cut: This is not an actual cut. It is in fact the art of rounding a gem without facets into the shape of a highly-polished dome.
Popular Faceted Beads
Faceted beads can be found in different materials and shapes. Round beads, oval beads, star beads, triangular and heart shaped beads- all are there to be used in jewelery, craft projects and for other purposes. However, faceted beads made from some particular materials are more popular than others.Faceted Glass Beads
Glass
beads with their inherent property of shining are the most favorite beads to
be given various facets. They are available in almost all sizes- 4mm
faceted, 6mm faceted beads, 8mm faceted beads, 10mm faceted beads.





