Opposed Step 3.0: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one is called "Opposed Step 3.0"
Tourmaline (Achroite, Dravite, Rubellite, Indicolite, Verdelite, Siberite)
Opposed Step 3.0 (MC9.JRG)
By Jeff R. Graham
Copyright 1999
91.2% Light Return
Angles for R.I. = 1.62
17 facets + 4 facets on girdle = 21
2-fold, mirror-image symmetry
96 index
L/W = 3.000 T/W = 0.873 T/L = 0.291
P/W = 0.501 C/W = 0.360
H/W = (P+C)/W+0.02 = 0.880
P/H = 0.569 C/H = 0.409
Vol./W^3 = 1.579
Addition # 4 - This L/W is not critical and may be changed without causing any problems. The crown can be raised if you have the rough or if you do not want to cut at 6 degrees. I use 6 degrees and it is not hard to cut, but CARE must be taken. This has great flash along the length. Cut this in R.I. 1.62 to 2.14 (87.9%) without changes.
Random - Cosine - ISO
Detailed faceting instructions by Jeff Graham available at The Rock Peddler
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
Related Articles
Tourmaline Gem, Price, and Jewelry Information
Mint Tourmalines: Gemstones for Our Times
Tourmaline Engagement Rings: the Ultimate Guide
How Do Tourmalines Form?
Latest Articles
21 Pink Gemstones (How Many Do You Know?)
How Does Topaz Form?
Sphene (Titanite) Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Citrine Buying Guide
Never Stop Learning
When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.
Get Gemology Insights
Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!