Mixed Cut Engagement Ring

The mixed is one of the more curious additions to the world of gemstones since its origins and development have not received the kind of attention as the more popular ‘cuts’ have over the years. Gemstone cuts over the years have been popularised thanks to the growing popularity and usage of diamonds. With various diamond cuts corresponding to their association with diamonds. The mixed cut in practice, whilst it has been in use for some time, has been a mainstay in the world of coloured gemstones. Here we will dive into the history behind the development of mixed stones, analyse their key features and strengths.

Short History of Mixed Cuts

The mixed cuts go back hundreds of years, featuring a number of different cuts, that have been combined in a single gemstone. A cut that was in use, but was for the most part operating behind the shadows so to speak, as it discussion surrounding cuts were not as popular, and especially those which concerned gemstones that were not diamonds. Mixed cuts evolved from the progressive improvements that were being made to the gemstone cutting process. This particular cut was a way to minimize gemstone shortfalls, whilst attempting to optimize the other aspects of the stone. A point referred to as the step brilliant cut, the mixed cut is a combination of the step cut: where there is brilliant cut front and step cut back, one that was primarily used in transparent stones. An area where diamonds naturally dominate. As time went by mixed cuts were recognized by jewellers of the time for their use in coloured stone, who understood how this cut could help accentuate the colour of the stone. Over time mixed cuts were recognized for their ability to enhance the natural colour stones and were soon being widely adopted, by their identification as a distinct cut like the popular diamonds cuts did not.

Main Features of Mixed Cuts

The popular mixed cuts-there are more than one-involves a combination of brilliant and pavilion cuts, starting with the crown; and is a preferred cut for coloured gemstones, and is known for enhancing the lustre of the stone. The key strength of the mixed cut is that it provides a vast array of options for those who are seeking varied cut: which in practice may mean the combination of various top cuts like the round, or brilliant cut which is featured on the crown, but the pavilion of the gemstone would be subjected to a step cut. The idea of combining cuts means that mixed cut stones can be found in various cut combinations, which may vary in terms of the specific qualities of the stone: carat, clarity, colour etc. Which are applied to stone to enhance certain positive features, like colour, and brilliance, and to minimise others, like inclusions. In practice step and pavilion cuts, which are applied to the crown and pavilion respectively, or alternatively they could also be applied the other way around to create a more innovative style. Mixed cuts as the combining one or more cut types are generally not adopted in the world of diamonds, which tend to be the purist option when it comes to quality: where a singular cut of the stone is preferred: like the round, brilliant cuts. However distinct shapes of stones, like pear shaped stones may feature strongly in the diamond world. When it comes to mixed cut stones, given the varied cutting options it provides, gem cutters can innovate, by combining various different cuts which may, in turn, give rise to various mixed cut types, that today have become popular in the engagement ring world. 

The Round Mixed Cut

Arguably the most popular addition to the world of mixed cut stones is the interesting play on the top diamond cut. As the round of the brilliant has three tiers: main, breaks, stars and crown, and the proportions are well maintained, ensuring great light interaction. However since the pavilion of the stone is subjected to a step cut, which helps to strengthen the colour that is found in the stone, so the gemstone that is subjected to this cut is left with an interesting balance of high brilliance and strong colour, presuming the gemstone in question is a coloured stone. Since brilliance is a key aspect of the gemstone, buyers tend to place its importance above other aspects of the stone. The problem however is that brilliance, depending on the cut may weaken the visibility of the natural colour of the stone, notable if the cut of the stone is uniform. Here the mixed cuts, with its step-like pavilion aid the colour reflectiveness of the stone.

The Popularity of Mixed in Coloured Stones

Since colour is a key variable in coloured stones, like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, the need to maximize these features is a key consideration for gem cutters. For the need to combine the scintillation of the stone at the visible top, but to then combine it with a longer light path within the stone, allowing the light to pass through, and to enhance the natural saturation of the stone. Which in practice means that virtually all coloured stones (i.e. gemstones which are not diamonds) tend to be mixed cut. Whilst the top part of the stone, involving the crown and girdle will feature a prominent cut like the round, brilliant or even the princess, the lower portion of the stone will involve a single or variation of the step cut. This is particularly of use in sapphires, where the colour is not uniformly present, and the need to maximise the hue of the stone, whilst balancing its carat and clarity. 

Choosing Mixed Cut Engagement Rings

When it comes to buying a ring featuring a mixed cut, the choice tends to revolve around the gemstone in question: Is it diamond or a coloured stone. This is followed by is it coloured diamond or colourless non-carbon based gemstone. As diamonds can be found with specific hues or non-carbon based stones like sapphires can also be found in colourless (white varieties). Since mixed is generally not requested by buyers, it is a function of what you want to maximise in a gemstone: its colour, clarity and carat. In which case, for a quality engagement ring with a solid gem, a mixed cut may be the best option depending on the stone.