All models

How to fold an origami gem

The top corner folds down and its tip folds back up, so white and coloured facets take turns along the crown. Creases make the facets below.

You need: 1 square sheet, coloured on one side (blue, red or green for a sapphire, ruby or emerald). Easy, 5 steps, about 3 minutes.

Steps

  1. Crease the diagonal. Fold the left corner to the right corner, crease, and unfold.
  2. Crease the facets. Fold the two lower edges in to the centre crease, crease them well, and unfold. These creases become facets.
  3. Fold the top down. Fold the top corner down, so the crease sits a third of the way down the centre crease.
  4. Tip back up. Fold the white tip back up along the line between the side corners.
  5. Blunt the sides. Fold the left and right corners behind, about a finger-width, to make short straight sides.

Sparkle!

Hang it on a thread, or hide a few around the house for a treasure hunt.

What to fold next