Gem Faceting: Hoshi Design

Gem faceting the Hoshi design by Marco Voltolini gives a geometric style that is unique and appealing. It is one of my favorites from one of my favorite gemstone designers.

Faceting Different Versions

The Hoshi’s (Japanese for “star”) size and symmetry of facets on the crown and girdle provide the opportunity to add ornamental facets. I faceted two versions of Marco’s Hoshi for this article. The first one used the design provided and the second was embellished with frosted facets and concave girdle facets.

I jazz this design up a little differently each time I use it. I recommend faceting the design as seen in the faceting diagram first because the girdle is very different and the small crown facets need some time and finer grits to get lined up. Once you facet the diagram, then cut another, adding embellishments to it.

Gem Faceting – Two From One

I used the same piece of Ouro Verde quartz (AKA lemon quartz) rough for both gemstones to show the difference between the two styles in the same color. I did this by using a single longer gemstone that would normally be used for a long rectangle or briolette shape. I preformed the rough and then cut the gemstone in half, giving me two identical preforms. This is a good method for making matching earrings and using longer materials without waste.

I use the Hoshi design in my gemstone faceting lessons. The student facets a round brilliant design for their first gemstone. For the second gemstone, they select either Marco Voltolini’s Hoshi or Maya Drop design. Students get to decide how they want to embellish the gemstone by choosing different facet patterns and the shapes and placement of concave facets on the girdle. This allows the student to try frosting facets, use the ULTRA TEC Fantasy Machine and add their distinct personality.

Ouro Verde Quartz

I like to use Ouro Verde quartz for the majority of my small to medium test cuts. It is a beautiful and affordable gemstone rough that shows off the stone’s best attributes. I recommend my friends at Storied Gemstones when buying gemstone rough. When you call, please tell them I said hello!

If you have any questions about faceting this design or would like to make suggestions for future gemstone designs, please contact me at www.hashnustones.com and use the contact form.

This story about gem faceting the Hoshi gemstone design previously appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. Click here to subscribe. Story by Mark Oros.