Many kingdoms mine gems, and these mines are always guarded for the wealth they provide.  Some freelance, get-rich-quick individuals travel the world for the ‘big score’.   Finding gems is one thing; cutting them into workable items of beauty is something altogether different.  Although the quality and quantity of these gems vary, knowledge and skill in gem cutting are prized worldwide.  A skilled gemologist possesses the skills that help him identify gems (Stone or Gem Lore), and commonly the ability to cut these stones to desired specifications (Gem Cutting).   Nearly all mage guilds employ gem-smiths, and most mages passed apprentice status know some knowledge regarding the uses of gems because they are readily used in magical rituals and the construction of magical items.  Likewise, psionic-gifted individuals use gems to store psionic energy and as focus items.  Again, these individuals are always on the lookout for skilled gem-smiths. 

There are a number of factors that contribute to the overall value of gems.  Most essential is the type of stone and how highly prized that stone is to a society.  Secondly, the quality of the stone is essential.  This has to do with aesthetic factors, as well as the stability of the structure of the crystal.  Size is, of course, very important and can be changed by being worked on. Finally, the quality of the cut of the stone greatly affects its value. 

Of the above factors, only the CUT can be managed by the gem cutting skill; then, larger gems can be cut into smaller-sized gems.  It is not possible to ‘fuse’ smaller gems into a larger one, even with the use of magic or psionic abilities.  The complexities of the gem’s internal matrix cannot be duplicated by the craft of mortals. 

Although it is possible to re-cut a gem to get a better value, it is ALWAYS reduced in size by one category, lowering its potential overall value even though it increases its actual value.  Further, it is harder to cut smaller stones than larger ones increasing the base difficulty by +2 for small, and tiny gems cannot be recut.  The process of cutting a stone starts with taking proper measurements (using proper tools), calculating the angles to be cut, and finally making the cut.  Some stones also require polishing in addition.  Cutting a single stone typically takes 2-4 hours of work under good conditions, not accounting for the 1-3 hours of polishing they may require. 

Cutting Huge and Monstrous stones typically provide waist stones that can be cut to produce tiny and small gems, respectively.  Each Huge stone yields 1-3 tiny-uncut gems, while a Monstrous stone yields 1-3 small-uncut gems.