Getting Your Sapphire Set: A Local Guide

You’ve fossicked a sapphire. Now comes the part that transforms a rough stone into something wearable: cutting and setting. The Gemfields has a strong community of cutters and jewellers with decades of expertise.

Cutting: A rough sapphire needs to be cut and polished before setting. Local lapidaries assess each stone for optimal cut — maximising colour, clarity, and carat weight. Costs typically range from $50-200 depending on stone size and complexity.

Setting: Once cut, the stone needs a setting. Local jewellers can create custom rings, pendants, and earrings. Discuss design before committing — different settings suit different stones.

Timeline: Cutting takes 1-3 days. Custom jewellery setting takes longer — allow 2-4 weeks. If you’re visiting briefly, the cutter can ship the finished piece.

Value: The combination of a personally fossicked stone, locally cut and set, creates a piece with genuine provenance. It’s not just jewellery — it’s a story.