round brilliant cut tanzanite - gemstone transferring and crown cuttinground brilliant cut tanzanite - gemstone transferring and crown cutting

Faceting Made Easy, Part 5: Gemstone Transferring and Crown Cutting


In Part 5 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam gives novice faceters instructions for gemstone transferring and crown cutting a standard brilliant design.

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HomeLearning CenterJewelry and LapidaryBeginner's Information - Learning to FacetFaceting Made Easy, Part 5: Gemstone Transferring and Crown Cutting

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 5 includes Chapters 11 and 12. These chapters cover gemstone transferring techniques and crown cutting. The International Gem Society thanks Mr. Hannam for permission to post his work.

Gemstone Transferring Techniques

You must have a transfer jig, like the typical one illustrated below. (Most faceting machines include one). You’ll need it for transferring your gemstone from one dop to another. After cutting the pavilion, you’ll need to move the gem to another dop, this time with the crown facing up. A transfer jig is a very efficient and accurate way to do this without losing facet alignment.

transfer jig - gemstone transferring

Check Your Transfer Block and Dop Sticks

Make sure to check your transfer block’s alignment. Put a couple of dops of the same size in the holders, then bring them together. Run a fingernail across where they join. If your nail digs in at the junction at one point but not at another, have an engineer examine the transfer block’s alignment. (First, check your dop sticks for bending, which could also…


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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