Faceting Made Easy, Part 4: Pavilion Cutting and Polishing
Part 4 of “Faceting Made Easy” covers pavilion cutting for a standard brilliant. Trevor Hannam discusses main and girdle facet cutting as well as polishing.
11 Minute Read
Note: This is a six-part edited version of Trevor Hannam’s Faceting Made Easy, a general introduction to faceting and a guide for learning to cut a standard brilliant gem. Part 4 includes Chapters 9 and 10. These chapters cover pavilion cutting and polishing. The International Gem Society thanks Mr. Hannam for permission to post his work.
Pavilion Cutting
Set the new angle on the protractor to 42°. This is the appropriate pavilion main angle for a topaz gem. Reset the index to 96 if you have not done so.
Place the coarse lap on the master lap. Don’t forget to clean everything prior.
Now, you’re ready to cut what’s known as the “Eight Complex.” These are the first eight facets you’ll cut. I recommend cutting them opposite to one another. This will reduce the chances of progressive errors, which you must avoid.
The Eight Mains Complex
Using your coarse adjuster, lower the head assembly so that the gemstone just touches the lap. Then, lock it into position. Next, turn on the machine and water, at a moderate rate, and lower the quill by the height adjuster.
When cutting or polishing, always use a sweeping motion across…
Trevor Hannam
Born in Wudinna, South Australia, Trevor G. Hannam moved to Cairns, Queensland in 1966. Introduced to faceting by Kay and Jimmy Gadd, he learned to facet with the help of Bob Johnson. After completing a diploma in Earth Science, he continued to study the art of gemology through Kye Jewellers. Currently retired, as a member of the Cairns Mineral and Lapidary Club, he taught the art of silver smithing, gemology techniques, and faceting.
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