First steps.

Prospecting Australia

Help Support Prospecting Australia:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Jul 4, 2017
Messages
70
Reaction score
127
1606540315_img_20201128_1605512.jpg


Hi all! Four stones deep into faceting and really enjoying it. This is despite paying too much for a machine that's very challenging to say the least. Only cut Quartz and Topaz(2nd from left) so far but want to cut some Tourmaline next. Just hoping someone can help me out with understanding how to choose which designs will work. Do I use one that's designed for a higher or lower RI. For example can I cut Tourmaline with the same patterns that I've used with the above stones or do I have to look for ones over the 1.6 RI? Hope this makes sense and thanks in advance for your help.
 
Well done, they look terrific, :clap: :clap: what machine are you using? Quartz is cheap so an excellent starter gem, topaz likewise and each have their idiosyncrasies.

Most designs are based on Quartz using RI of 1.54, there are a number of web sites where you can download designs, again primarily 1.54 but there are other RI when you hunt. Some good sites are http://www.jewelcutter.com/graham/designs/

The Gemology Project: https://www.gemologyproject.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Designs_by_RI this allows you to search by RI, some designs you can print the PDF or download a digital file which can be put into GemCad or Gem Cut Studio that you can tweak it for different RI

If you join the AFG you can access plenty more, they can supply a USB of all the designs published in Facet Talk, not sure the cost, but you'll be cutting for years if you have this resource.
 
Thanks for your reply mate. My machine is a home made one. Looked for a machine for ages but either didn't have enough money at the right time or they were interstate. One seller told me I was a scammer because I asked if they would post at my expense. Anyway is what it is. The Topaz Tec that you bought was one that I eyed off for example but I'm in NSW so that wasn't going to work. Will probably get some software for cutting eventually but funds are tight this time of year. The AFG membership, is the magazine worth the extra cost?
 
Squint, what the magazine contains is gold, articles covering many different subjects with info that will carry you forward and fill in knowledge gaps, it's a resource I often refer to and I have copies going back many years.

The AFG also runs an annual 'Muster' in Casino, training, seminars all sorts, a fun couple of weeks at the beginning of September, didn't run this year for obvious reasons but hopefully will be back up and running in 21, if we can, we'll be there.

The Topaz Tec will be going back on the market soon as my wife is struggling and not enjoying Faceting, her eyes are probably the main problem, but her mind doesn't connect with cheating, pushing in the toe of a facet and the more intricate elements of the skill. She need me to overlook her work and guide her the whole time, so she's switching to opal cutting. Machine has been fully serviced now and is in tip top condition, so if your interested PM me, now borders are opening up, it'll be a lot easier.

Have you got John Broadfoot's book, "Cutting gemstones, The Beginners Guide to Faceting" it's a invaluable resource.
 
Ok, looks like joining the AFG and getting the magazine added is a must do.
Unfortunately now I've spent the money on the machine I have it will need to last me till I can save for a new one.
Don't actually have any books on faceting. Before the virus hit I was being taught at the Lapidary club so I'm kind of just applying what I had learnt and going from there.
While looking online for a tourmaline design I came across an article on the international faceting academy website called "the secrets of Tourmaline". Interesting read on dealing with bad "C" axis colour which my Green stones definitely have.
1606799543_img_20201130_161405.jpg
1606799563_img_20201130_161442.jpg
 
There are a few gems that can pose A, B & C axis challenges, Sapphire can have Blue/Green issues which if not factored in can pose challenges, Axinite is another I have encountered, green/orange in one axis, black in another. Best way to learn is cut and see what happens.
 
First Tourmaline done. Cut the two ends of the pavilion off to reduce the impact of the blacked out "C" section. Wasn't the best colour rough anyway but I'm still pretty happy with the results. This was the stone from the top left of the above photo. Both of the other stones from the top row had fractures that presented while cutting the girdle so had to re dop and start again. They were too long for correct L/W ratio anyway so not too frustrated, ........really. Quite like the material though.
1607762241_img_20201212_163537.jpg
 
Thanks for the kind words mate! Still a beginner so lots of learning ahead for me. Awesome people on this site such as Sneaky Cuttlefish, Lefty,Wally and Dihusky are the reason I started on this journey. Truely inspirational and always helpful. Maybe we should point out more often the true value of the posts and pictures shared by our more experienced members.
 
Started to look in here because I have a Miss 12 that is very interested in this subject, ever since we visited a gem club - Southern Rock Hounds ? in S.A.

So playing some catch up, as it is not in my 'experience area' of my life.

Sort of finding it a little difficult to source a Club nearby.

:)
 
Top