GemCad.com is dedicated to computer-aided design software for faceted gemstones. Faceted gems are used in jewelry. Faceting is the craft of cutting flat, polished facets or faces on clear minerals, natural and synthetic, using a flat grinding disk called a lap. Faceting is a lapidary art. To facet, you need a faceting machine to hold the stone at a precise angle to the cutting lap. Faceting is a fun hobby.

In addition to colored gems, the software can model diamonds. Since diamond is the hardest substance, the equipment for diamond cutting is very specialized and rugged. The design priciples, however, are very similar.

GemCad is a computer-aided design (CAD) program for faceted gemstones. It runs on PC compatibles with Microsoft Windows 95™ or later. Its final product is an accurate faceting diagram that you can take to your faceting machine and cut.

GemRay renders images of gemstones using the technique of ray tracing. The purpose of GemRay is to predict what a faceted gemstone will look like when it is cut and to optimize its angles for the best optical performance. GemRay runs on PC compatibles with Windows XP™ or later.

With GemCad, you can be assured that a faceting diagram will produce the gemstone pictured without unnecessary fiddling with angles. With GemRay, you can be assured that the geometry in the diagram produces a stone that sparkles the way that you want it to.

The Learn page has links to videos on YouTube that introduce both programs and teach you how to use them.