In a jewellery world dominated by perfectly round, oval, and princess cuts, freeform sapphires stand apart. They’re bold, irregular, and unapologetically individual. At Laher, we love freeform cuts because they honour the stone’s natural character rather than forcing it into a standard shape. The result? A gem that is as unique as the person who wears it.

What is a Freeform Sapphire?

A freeform sapphire is cut to follow the shape of the rough crystal as closely as possible. Instead of grinding away large sections of the stone to achieve a symmetrical outline, the cutter works with the natural contours, angles, and proportions of the gem.

This approach often produces asymmetrical shapes—soft curves, unexpected angles, and organic silhouettes that feel more like pieces of nature than polished commodities.

Preserving Carat Weight and Colour

One of the biggest advantages of freeform cutting is that it preserves more of the original stone. In traditional cutting, significant material can be lost to achieve symmetry. With freeform cutting, less waste means a heavier carat weight and, in many cases, richer colour saturation.

For Australian sapphires, this can be especially important. Our sapphires often display unique colour zoning—bands or blends of blue, green, and yellow created naturally during formation. A freeform cut allows the cutter to position and shape the gem in a way that highlights these zones rather than cutting them out.

A Showcase for Parti Sapphires

Freeform cutting pairs beautifully with Parti sapphires, which naturally show two or more distinct colours in the same stone. By following the rough’s natural boundaries, a cutter can position the colours to create dramatic contrasts or soft transitions across the face of the gem. This makes each freeform Parti sapphire a one-of-a-kind work of art.

The Art of the Cutter

Cutting a freeform sapphire isn’t simply skipping the rules—it requires skill, vision, and experience. The cutter must read the stone, understand how light will move through it, and decide which angles will enhance both beauty and durability. It’s a balance between respecting the gem’s natural shape and making sure it’s strong enough for everyday wear.

Many of the cutters we work with are artists in their own right, often in close contact with miners who understand the potential of each piece of rough before it’s even touched by a wheel.

Why We Choose Freeform

For us, freeform sapphires reflect the essence of bespoke jewellery—personal, distinctive, and never mass-produced. No two are ever alike, and no one else in the world will have the same stone as you.

In a market where uniformity is often seen as perfection, freeform cutting embraces individuality. It allows the natural shape, history, and quirks of a sapphire to remain visible—a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to fit into a perfect template.

When we design with a freeform sapphire, we’re not just setting a gem; we’re preserving a story. A story written over millions of years, shaped by the earth, and finished by the hands of a master cutter—ready to be worn for a lifetime.