A Sample of
Modern Faceting, "The Easy Way"
Dear Gemcutter,
The above illustration has been modified for quicker downloading. The following is a direct excerpt from "Modern Faceting, The Easy Way." This should give you a good idea of how The Easy Way method of faceting works.
Now I'll walk you through the first design, a standard oval cut The Easy Way. After doing any hand preforming you feel is necessary, dop to a temporary table. Place the stone in your machine with the long dimension running between I 64 and I 32.
Step 1 is to cut the outline of the gem. This is a bit different from other methods, but it's very easy to do!
Set your angle at 90 degrees. Cut the first set of facets at I 62 and 2, 30 and 34. This establishes the length of your gem. Then cut the second step at I 15 and 17, 47 and 49. This establishes the width of your gem.
If you want to calibrate your stone, do so in these steps. If you are cutting an expensive piece of material for maximum yield, just cut the minimum necessary. This method is very flexible and will contribute greatly to your yield.
The next two rows of facets finish the outline of your stone. I prefer to cut the ones closest to the side facets first at I 12, 20, etc. Then I finish the outline by cutting the set that begins with I 8. All you need to cut in these steps is enough that you'll be able to bring a level girdle all the way around the stone. Be careful not to cut to much at first. You may want to refer to the illustration to help get the proportioning right on your first stone.
Now look at the outline of your gem. Is the profile pleasing to your eye? Maybe you should cut the last set a bit deeper to smooth it out. Note where your girdle line will be. Do you have enough material for both the crown and the pavilion? If not, make your adjustments now. (Remember the crown angles are very flexible.)
That is a lot of words, but it's really quite easy. There are no meet points to deal with and you're in total control of the proportions. Cutting the outline by sight is the only thing new you have to learn for the standard Easy Way designs.
Step 2 establishes a level girdle by cutting a row of facets, all at the same angle. It doesn't get any easier than that! For this design set your machine at 43 degrees and cut them all down to the same level.
These are being cut at the same index settings as the outline, but I have relisted their order from the sides, out to the ends. Again, the order you cut them isn't important, this is just what is most comfortable for me.
Step 3 are your pavilion main facets. For this you need to make your third and final angle adjustment on the pavilion. Isn't that nice!
These facets are going to start cutting at the bottom and come up towards the girdle. You want to adjust your depth of cut so they stop at the girdle line.
After polishing the pavilion, all that is left is the crown. Use the index settings from Step 2 and angles that are appropriate for the individual piece of rough you are working on. I find ten degree steps, like 45, 35 and 25, or 50, 40 and 30 work well. Brilliance wise, variations in the crown angles are very forgiving, as is the size of table you prefer.
The Easy Way goes on to describe, with illustrations, both standard and barion cuts in all the fancy shapes; cushions, hearts, marquis', pears, etc.
Quit struggling with the meet point method. The Easy Way will make your faceting much faster, easier and more enjoyable. Plus it will increase your yield on expensive rough!
Order your copy now for just $24.99.
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