Colored gemstones are usually cut in order to showcase the beauty of the stone’s color. When a gem is well-cut it maximizes the color of the stone, minimizes its inclusions, and displays excellent symmetry and proportion.
Cutting standards are far more relaxed for colored gemstones than for diamonds. There are no real geometrical standards for maximizing the brilliance or color of the gem because there are so many different colors of gemstones. Rare gemstones are at times cut for size without regard to their color because it is so hard to find something with that hue.
It is important to examine the symmetry of the gemstone in its setting. A gemstone that is well-cut is symmetrical and reflects light evenly across the surface of the stone, the polish is smooth and there are no nicks or scratches. When a stone is cut asymmetrically it indicates low-quality.