This is an overview of the steps, techniques, and tools for cutting a fantasy gemstone. To demonstrate the procedure for beginners, I chose a very flawed ametrine from my junk rough box. Since it’s a relatively large stone, I hope the facets and carvings are easy to identify in the pictures.
The first part of the fantasy cutting process is to cut a finished stone. The second part is to carve it. Typically, freeforms are used. Although the stone is a freeform, the techniques are the same as faceting any other stone.
Cutting A Fantasy Gemstone Pavilion
Start with the pavilion.
Step 1
Determine where the table will be placed and grind a flat for dopping as shown below.
Step 2
Dop the stone as shown here. I used a gel-type super glue with accelerator.
Step 3
Establish the shape of the finished stone by cutting a series of girdle facets at 90º to give you the outline. Be sure to write down the indexes used: 96 21 27 72.
It’s nice to note that most fantasy gemstones are freeforms. This allows you to use all your rough and maximize yield. In this case, I used…
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