Beginner's Information - Learning to Facet

A glossary of frequently encountered faceting terms for the student gemologist. Our list covers gemology, gem cutting, and equipment.

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…

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…

Opals and pearls have special setting, cleaning, and storage needs. Our opal and pearl care guide will help you keep your jewelry beautiful.

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 gem cutting hobbyist or a professional, new to the business or an old-timer, it’s always good to brush up on safety. This article…

How should novice faceters choose their first gemstones? Learn which gem rough materials combine cutting ease, low cost, good size, and profit…

Natural and synthetic quartz rough are both inexpensive. Nevertheless, learn why novice faceters should practice with the natural material…

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…

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.…

Not all creative lapidary work involves cutting gems. Rock artistry techniques like suiseki and glyptography can offer some imaginative possibilities.…

Can something akin to a slide rule help novice faceters today with transposing faceting angles from published gem designs? Check out the calculation-free…

Cutting gem materials you’ve never worked before can be exciting but also frustrating. Some faceting advice can help you create beautiful finished…

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…

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…

Jeff shares his knowledge about dopping with wax. This is an article that gives instruction on how to apply a stone to a dop using wax.

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…

Jeff Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What Faceting Equipment Essentials you need to get…

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?…

Should you cut the crown or pavilion of a gemstone first? In this article, Jeff Graham discusses his opinion on cutting pavilion first.

A comparison chart of faceting machines. Compares the usability and quality of service for specific facet machines. Distinguish which one is…

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…

A review of the most important features to consider when evaluating the purchase of a faceting machine?

In many ways buying a faceting machine is like buying a car. You probably would like the fanciest car on the road but would settle for a second hand.…

Gemstones fascinate. Everyone loves them, but few can craft them. Knowing tips and the equipment can help novices learn how to facet easier.

As you look at the enclosed chart and read about these various machines it’s going to seem easy to classify them all as excellent, good or just simply…

Successful tips and information on techniques that are used in sculpting or carving a gem. Find helpful information here on How to Carve, Scuplt…

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ’s about gem cutting. Find the answers to the most frequent questions about gem cutting and be enlightened by…

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…

A Detailed information and guide on How to Facet Gems. In faceting, HAI is much more than a casual idiom. HAI meaning, H – Height, A- Angle and I- index.…