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Step Cut
Although the “step” or “trap” cut is generally used for colored jewels, this type of cut is particularly well-suited for colored stones that appear to have low “fire” or dispersion”. With respect to the actual mechanics of the step cut itself, there basically is a large table facet that is surrounded by rectangular facets that are located above and below the “girdle” of the cut gemstone. To put it another way, this cut often square or rectangular in shape that had facets that run parallel with the edges of the cut gemstone.
Often, the corners of gemstones that have this particular cut are truncated to create what is known as the “emerald cut”. As you may guess, this version of the “step cut” is often found on … emeralds. Since emeralds are prone to being brittle, this truncated cut is quite becoming to the “green” jewel. However, that is not to say that the “emerald cut” is only found on emeralds as this cut is also quite flattering to diamonds and other stones.
That said, it is also important to remember that gemstones cut in this particular manner do not have the “fiery” qualities that gemstones that are cut in the popular “brilliant” style have. However, despite this factor, the step cut does show off a gemstone’s luster and clarity in a beautiful manner. For this reason, the step cut was particularly popular in the Art Deco period.
However, it is important to realize that besides the popular “emerald cut” though, there are other versions of the “step cut”. Some of these cuts include the kite, lozenge, trapezoid, obus, and triangle shapes.
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