It might surprise some people that I left this Thought test for last, seeing as it is available at level 10. For me it is an excellent teaching example which more games should do. The idea of the test itself is pretty simple. There's a cutting table and a sample of what you need to match. You then get a big green gem to spin around and hack up however you like, as many times as you like, until you match what is displayed on that player's table.
The big green mess needs to turn into a square with a diamond hole.
Apart from the test though, there are actual "cuttable gems" that you can acquire and I imagine they are pretty rare. On top of that, you need to cut them PRECISELY into specific shapes for some structures - and there are a lot of variations. Goofing up on these means trashing the gem too so you must gain proficiency in them as a player. So much so that there are gem cutting "schools" that feature actual cuts where you can practice the various forms before attempting the real thing.
Gem cutting school at Seven Lakes.
The whole idea of practice makes perfect and letting newbies goof up without consequence due to player skill (not character skill) before facing the real challenge ticks the good design box for me. If you want a more in depth look at gem cutting and bijous I recommend reading Jeromai's Tale 3 experience.
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