Our gem cutting FAQ covers some common questions from novice faceters. Topics include how to get started, how to clean gemstones, and dopping issues.
2 Minute Read
If everyone knew just how easy it is, yes. You'd find more people doing it. What stops many would-be cutters is the high cost of equipment and gem rough. However, high-quality lab-created gem rough represents a fine alternative to natural material.
There are dealers all over the world who'll gladly sell you gem rough. Search for them online.
Many gem cutters are self-taught. You can come by gem cutting information pretty easily. Many people just lash up with colleagues on a share-the-info basis. However, you can also look for federations, local clubs, private instructors, and faceting schools near you.
Nix the ammonia. It stinks heartily and that's about it. Instead, toss the gemstone into a shot of vodka. Seriously. Vodka is vegetable-based alcohol, so it'll do a great job cleaning a crystalline surface. Plus, it will evaporate without stains. (And if you drink the vodka, the gem will look even better).
Please note, some gemstones, like pearls, can react poorly to alcohol. Consult this gemstone jewelry care guide for more information on cleaning finished gems and jewelry pieces.
There's a safe and simple way to do it, and it's not the old-fashioned method of soaking the attachment in acetone, ketone, or another ugly chemical.
Use this ancient goldsmith's trick:
In a few seconds, the Super Glue and/or epoxy will surrender completely to the heat. The still-cool stone will lift away.
Trust the wetted tissue. Veteran goldsmiths even use this heat sink stunt to solder around pearls.
Take advantage of wax's tendency to cold roll, long a vexation to gem cutters. Just melt some wax and wrap it around the wooden dop stick. Then, holding the stick vertically, push the wax glob down flat against a cold glass, metal, or plastic surface.
The wax will still cling to the dop stick, but the glob's tip will cold roll out flat against the chilly surface. Now, put Super Glue on the flat wax platform and attach the stone.
For removal, heat a knife and cut off the wax and Super Glue. Better yet, place the dop stick/stone assembly in the freezer for a few minutes. This will shrink the attachment.
To learn more about the lapidary arts, read about these techniques.
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If everyone knew just how easy it is, yes. You'd find more people doing it. What stops many would-be cutters is the high cost of equipment and gem rough. However, high-quality lab-created gem rough represents a fine alternative to natural material.
There are dealers all over the world who'll gladly sell you gem rough. .
Many gem cutters are self-taught. You can come by gem cutting information pretty easily. Many people just lash up with colleagues on a share-the-info basis. However, you can also look for federations, local clubs, private instructors, and faceting schools near you.
Nix the ammonia. It stinks heartily and that's about it. Instead, toss the gemstone into a shot of vodka. Seriously. Vodka is vegetable-based alcohol, so it'll do a great job cleaning a crystalline surface. Plus, it will evaporate without stains. (And if you drink the vodka, the gem will look even better).
Please note, some gemstones, like pearls, can react poorly to alcohol. Consult this gemstone jewelry care guide for more information on cleaning finished gems and jewelry pieces.
There's a safe and simple way to do it, and it's not the old-fashioned method of soaking the attachment in acetone, ketone, or another ugly chemical.
Use this ancient goldsmith's trick:
In a few seconds, the Super Glue and/or epoxy will surrender completely to the heat. The still-cool stone will lift away.
Take advantage of wax's tendency to cold roll, long a vexation to gem cutters. Just melt some wax and wrap it around the wooden dop stick. Then, holding the stick vertically, push the wax glob down flat against a cold glass, metal, or plastic surface.
The wax will still cling to the dop stick, but the glob's tip will cold roll out flat against the chilly surface. Now, put Super Glue on the flat wax platform and attach the stone.
For removal, heat a knife and cut off the wax and Super Glue. Better yet, place the dop stick/stone assembly in the freezer for a few minutes. This will shrink the attachment.
To learn more about the lapidary arts, read about these techniques.
