Dopping with Wax: Getting Started
Novice gem faceters often have questions about dopping with wax. Learn what types of dopping wax to use and how to get started.
Novice gem faceters often have questions about dopping with wax. Learn what types of dopping wax to use and how to get started.
Our gem cutting FAQ covers some common questions from novice faceters. Topics include how to get started, how to clean gemstones, and dopping issues.…
Fantasy gem designs combine elements from faceted and cabbed stones as well as artistic embellishments. Learn the basics of this modern lapidary…
What does it take to facet gems? Patience and HAI, locking the gem at the right height, angle, and index on a faceting machine. Learn how you can do…
Compare the prices and philosophies of gem faceting classes from around the world. Learn if there’s a local club or a faraway school that’s…
If you’re considering adding toxic and radioactive gems to your collection, be on the safe side. Learn the basics of toxicity, how to minimize exposure,…
Whether you’re a new or experienced gem cutter, brush up on safety procedures. Learn about lapidary health hazards and how to prevent chronic…
Gem cutters can choose from many faceting styles. Learn about the most common custom cutting techniques and pick one that suits your needs and skill…
Can something akin to a slide rule help novice faceters today with transposing faceting angles from published gem designs? Check out the calculation-free…
How can gem cutters predict the color that gem rough will likely show when cut? Learn how the simple white paper test can help you buy the right material.…
Natural and synthetic quartz rough are both inexpensive. Nevertheless, learn why novice faceters should practice with the natural material…
How should novice faceters choose their first gemstones? Learn which gem rough materials combine cutting ease, low cost, good size, and profit…
How do lapidaries decide what gemstone shape to cut? Learn how inclusions, rough, orientation, and other factors can influence that decision.…
Cutting gem materials you’ve never worked before can be exciting but also frustrating. Some faceting advice can help you create beautiful finished…
A glossary of frequently encountered gemstone faceting terms for the student gemologist. Our list covers gemology, gem cutting, and equipment.…
Gem cutters use the “length-to-width” or L/W ratio to determine how to cut rough gems. Learn how to choose gem designs based on a stone’s L/W…
Part 6 of Trevor Hannam’s “Faceting Made Easy” features gemstone design cuts, like the Champagne Glass, that novices can try after the standard…
In Part 5 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam gives novice faceters instructions for gemstone transferring and crown cutting a standard…
Part 4 of “Faceting Made Easy” covers pavilion cutting for a standard brilliant. Trevor Hannam discusses main and girdle facet cutting as…
In Part 3 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers how to select gem rough as well as dopping and rounding techniques for a standard brilliant…
What equipment do novice gem cutters need? In Part 2 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers faceting machines, their features, and…
In Part 1 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam reviews gemstone properties in his introduction to faceting and learning to cut a standard…
Our gemstone care guide covers many popular gems. Learn how best to maintain your gemstone jewelry and what kinds of stresses and cleaning methods…
A color wheel and mixing chart can help novice gem cutters evaluate how well colors will mix in a finished piece. Learn how to utilize these common…
We make recommendations about the best books to buy and read when getting started in faceting.
“Just ask Jeff” gives tips on choosing the right Faceting Machine. Several discounter’s will sell anything that they can and do not care about the…
Get the insight of Jeff on all your questions and concerns about Gemstones. “Just ask Jeff” tackles faceting machine and a few helpful things you…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to Weight and length conversions…What…
Buying a used faceting machine is a lot like buying a used car, you can get a good one but you need to know the faceting machine considerations when…
What faceting equipment do novices need to learn to cut gems? Learn what faceting machines, laps, books, and supplies are most suitable for beginners.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See some books about stones in What are good books to start with?…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answers are to What is a good faceting machine to start…
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a man made material and comes from all over the world. There are several methods of making it, and we explain them.
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answer to Questions you need to ask when buying a digital Faceting Machine?…
Experts might successfully cut gems crown first, but cutting pavilion first is usually the best and most practical method. Read this article to…
One serious pitfall for the novice is the quality of advice they get in choosing what faceting machine to buy. Here are a few tips in choosing the right…
Gemstones fascinate. Everyone loves them, but few can craft them. Knowing tips and the equipment can help novices learn how to facet easier.
Buying a faceting machine means making compromises between economy, looks, and technical features. Learn what questions to ask before you make…
A full and complete history of the lapidary arts, from 70,000 BC to present day. The origins of faceting, bruting, and carving.
A resource for Gem cutting Information, this is a comprehensive repository of information and assistance intended to advance and enhance skills…
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