Blink cut - rubellite tourmalineBlink cut - rubellite tourmaline

Blink: Online Faceting Designs and Diagrams


Jeff Graham’s Blink cut is a great design for tourmalines. When viewed straight on, every facet reflects light, but if you rock the stone it will “blink.”

1 Minute Read

The Blink is a great design for tourmalines and features a fairly low number of facets. When viewed straight on, every facet reflects light, but if you rock the stone it will "blink," hence the name.

 

You can find cutting instructions for the Blink here.

Cutting Remarks

Blink cut - rubellite tourmaline
An approximately 7.23-ct, 15.4 x 10.2 x 7.9 mm deep Blink, cut from top Nigerian rubellite tourmaline by Jeff Graham.

I'm always looking for ways to cut tourmaline crystal shapes. My Blink design suits long pieces of rough very well and has an interesting look. This is another "Money Cut," something you can cut quickly that performs very well. However, it's not an easy cut. You need to be at the correct length to width ratio (L/W). Otherwise, things won't meet on the table without some adjustments.

It helps to cut in the table so you can tell where C6, C7 meet. If you aren't sure, cut them a little short and do them after the table. The P6 tier is made to be scaled in to save rough. (42 to 68° won't affect the light return much at all).

Notice that the L/W on this stone is 1.50. The Blink has a very high light return for a stone of this L/W. It's keeled, so it will return a nice yield in crystal shaped rough. However, the keel design will still give it a nice brilliant look.

Enjoy cutting your own "Blink."

Blink Array
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.

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/online-faceting-designs-diagrams-blink/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/online-faceting-designs-diagrams-blink/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/online-faceting-designs-diagrams-blink/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

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!