What is a Windowing in a Gemstone or Diamond?

A quick explanation of how the cut of a gemstone affects the overall brilliance of the stone, and if you can see through the stone.
Diamonds are almost always cut to precise standards, so windowing in diamonds is a bit rare, however, precious gemstones are not always so lucky.
Different stones need to be cut to different angles to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. But in general, a shallow cut is more likely to have a window in it than a stone that has been properly cut.

[@loisruthstrom8143]

I never knew what it was called. Very helpful, thank you! 👍😄

[@beadweaver4409]

Thanks that was incredibly useful information!

[@earthartgems]

You're welcome, glad it was helpful!

[@moxiemomma6153]

Love your videos Austin, a few years ago i purchased 2 - 4mm very pretty pigeon blood red rubies for my granddaughter. She is a July baby hence the purchase of her birthstone. I've been wondering if I should mount them bezel or prong set. This video is very informative. Thank you PS..Not sure if I should have them mounted as earrings or ring.

[@earthartgems]

Glad that it helps! as a side note, if doing them as earrings, then at least some light will enter the back of the stone if done as a dangle. If done as studs, then it's more like a ring and no light enters. of course if they are no windowed, then it will not matter :) If you want to have me set them for you, feel free to get in touch, I do take on custom work: earthartgems.com/pages/contact-us

[@DarkraiQ8]

Thanks for the video. Nice and to the point.
..
Question:
What can be used under the gemstones when setting it on a ring to minimize the effect of window ? Aluminum foil ? Silver ?

[@earthartgems]

Because a window is basically going to let you see exactly what is under the stone, you can add some interesting effects to a piece of jewelry by adding something under the stone that you WANT the person to see, such as a bright cut or some other engraving, or a bit of filigree or even a smaller gemstone or diamond. Here is an example of a smoky quartz ring I made that had a bit of a window so I added a latticework of yellow gold to make it a bit more interesting: earthartgems.com/products/smokey-quartz-cocktail-ring-in-sterling-and-18k get creative! I do not recommend foil as it can oxidize or discolor over time.

[@DarkraiQ8]

@@earthartgems thank you for the detailed and awesome reply 🤩🤩

[@earthartgems]

You're welcome!@@DarkraiQ8

[@melodychest9020]

@@earthartgems OK interesting. Personally, would have much preferred to see something sparkle from underneath like melee diamonds or CZ. The 18K gold's lustre is dimmed by the smokey quartz imo. However, the design is extremely creative and the side windows would have added tremendous value to melee diamonds as well. Anyway, I loved your video explaining the setting aspects of windowed stones. Thank you!

[@earthartgems]

@@melodychest9020 You're welcome, and thanks for your critique, it's well taken. Sometimes we don't see the trees for the forest when making a design.

[@billiejones8602]

Does a window lessen the value of the stone?

[@earthartgems]

Yes, in general it does. The only time I've seen a window to be desirable is if it is an intentional design aspect of the cut of the stone, which is sometimes done when a carver creates a relief on the back of the stone.

[@herusyamsi3443]

Jakarta monitor.... Salute from Indonesia fire opal lover and crypto tron/Forsage tron community 💪💪👍