Cylettes® Cylinders of Color

What Are Cylettes®? Cylettes® were conceived from the notion that light and color need not be limited to the reflective nature of traditional faceted stone cuts.  Cylindrical Gemstones allow for the transmission of natural light with a deeper and smoother presentation of color.  A clear and brilliant departure from what had been accepted as the only  way to appreciate colored gemstones.  By 1993 John had been awarded two U.S. Patents and a trademark for Cylettes® .  By 1996, Cylettes®  had become recognized by the industry as the only unique and innovative new offering in Decades.  With the acceptance into the JCK and Tucson design centers as well as the MJSA pavilion for American designers in Brasil, Switzerland, John has taken his place amongst the foremost jewelry innovators in the world.

   2.What are Cylettes®? Cylettes® are cylindrical cut natural and synthetic gemstones.  Available only through J Kennedy Design.  The name Cylettes® is derived from the French term, baguette, long bread. Cylettes® is a registered trademark and must always be accompanied by the ® Symbol when used in any advertised print materials.  No other gemstones or jewelry containing cylindrical stones can use the term Cylettes®.  It is your assurance that the piece was designed, fabricated, and manufactured by John Kennedy, J. Kennedy Design.

   3.   What Cylettes® aren't. Cylettes®, are not baguettes, baguettes have facets.  They are also not tubes, tubes have a hole in the center.  This is quite elementary, however it needs to be pointed out to customers at times due to the fact that they are unfamiliar with Cylettes® or cylindrical cut stones.

   4.   How are Cylettes® set in fine jewelry?  There are two methods of setting Cylettes® Aperture and Channel, both methods are covered by individual US patents listed above. Channel setting, most are familiar with where the stones are contained within the side walls of the metal.  This is the same setting you see with diamonds or other faceted stones.  Channel stones are held in by the metal that is rolled over the edge of the stones.  This is a very clean and secure way of setting.  It is durable, and requires much less care and maintenance than the prong type settings.  When Cylettes® are channel set the stones lay next to each other with no space between them.  Aperture setting, aperture meaning hole, is the second method of setting Cylettes®.  It is by far the most popular.  Set in this fashion, the Cylettes® are inserted into holes and inlayed leaving the ends of the stones exposed on the sides of the mountings thereby allowing light to be transmitted through the ends.  The result is an added colorful dimension, not found in other jewelry.  What you see is the natural color of the gemstones through the transmission of light, rather than the typical reflection of light found in traditional faceted gem cuts.  This can best be described as a "fiber optic effect".

   5.   What are the advantages of Cylettes®?  There are many.  First, the overall appearance of cylindrical cut stones is a look that is smooth, flowing, and modern.  The hard geometric look of baguettes from their large facets is foregone.  Second, Cylettes® are very durable, they have no corners that can be stressed, which most often is the reason a gemstone will break or chip during normal wear.  The channel and aperture setting of Cylettes® is another factor, recessed below the highest point of the mounting.  This prevents the stones from coming in contact with other surfaces, very seldom will they become abraded during wear.

   6.   Will the Cylettes® fall out?  This is not a problem, customers have a tendency to ask this question because they are unfamiliar with them.  All pieces carry a complete warranty covering workmanship.  If for some reason the stone should come out, it will be replaced at no charge.

   7.   Can the rings be sized?  The rings can be sized usually up or down one full size.  J. Kennedy Design prefers to do any alterations. Should a piece be compromised by another jeweler it is void of warranty.

   8.   Care for Cylettes®.  Normal care and cleaning as with any other jewelry.  Cylettes® require no special care.

   9.   How to reach us.  If you have specific questions regarding Cylettes® you may call us at 001-413-529-6870 or email us at jkennedy@jkennedydesign.com