{"id":6,"date":"2010-12-02T21:23:50","date_gmt":"2010-12-03T02:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cicadajewelrydesign.userblogs.ganoksin.coms\/2010\/12\/02\/gem-cutter-gd\/"},"modified":"2010-12-02T21:23:50","modified_gmt":"2010-12-03T02:23:50","slug":"gem-cutter-gd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/sako\/2010\/12\/02\/gem-cutter-gd\/","title":{"rendered":"Gem Cutter, G.D."},"content":{"rendered":"

Broadly, the styles of gem cutting can be divided into faceted gems (those with geometrically shaped flat polished faces) and non-faceted gems (those that do not have geometrically shaped flat polished faces such as cabochons). Now onto the four steps which I like to call \u2018S.P.S.P.\u2019 Don\u2019t worry, this isn\u2019t as dangerous as it sounds. (the boring intro is over folks.)<\/p>\n

Slicing<\/strong>: slicing, in my opinion is the most pivitol stage when it comes to gem cutting. Why? I\u2019m glad you asked. It pretty much determines the size and beauty of the piece of gem you\u2019re about to cut. Once you\u2019ve selected a piece of rough, and may I add that\u00a0\u00a0you\u2019re about to play doctor with this piece of rough.<\/p>\n

Anyway, using a diamond-tipped circular steel saw, I, Dr. Gem Cutter,\u00a0will determine how to cut, where to cut, and how many pieces to cut, in order to produce the highest quality from the rough gem. If the rough is cut incorrectly, and you\u2019ll start to realize this when you start opening up windows in your gem stone, but that step is further down the line, its beauty may be ruined, bringing the value down\u00a0 of that exceptional gem to that junk known as commercial gem stones.<\/p>\n

Pre-forming<\/strong>: Once you\u2019ve played doctor with the gem by slicing it, you can now play plastic surgeon to the \u2018gems\u2019 and start to pre-form the gem. pre-forming is typically performed by using a vertical steel grinding wheel.<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ <\/a><\/p>\n

The pre-forming process carries a great deal of stress. Why? I\u2019m glad you asked. The pre-forming process determine the shape and adaptation for each gem that wants to look pretty and land itself a nice owner. So, if you screw up, mistakes at this stage can be catastrophic and every other synonym for \u2018catastrophic\u2019. When pre-forming, keep in mind the weight of the finished gem. Pretty much the weight of the gem adds more \u2018bang for your buck.\u2019 There\u2019s always an exception to that rule if you look at cuts, color, clarity, etc\u2026 lets save that for another blog. Back to my example: A 5.23 carat Ceylon Sapphire, oval shape is at $550.00 per carat. You multiply the 5.23cts by 550pct and you get $2,876.50. Hence, \u2018bang for your buck.\u2019<\/p>\n

Shaping<\/strong>: Once you\u2019ve pre-formed the stone, its time to start shaping it and to start adding facets. In order to complete the next phase, a special type of heat activated resin or wax is used to glue the stone onto a metal rod, commonly called a dop stick.<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ <\/a><\/p>\n

You then grab your stone and apply it to the wax and slowly press the stone into the resin. Put the dopping stick in an upright position and let it sit till its still as a rock.\u00a0 The fun is about to begin. You delicately apply the gemstone to the shaping wheel to obtain a more accurate presentation of the facets and size. Due to the immense precision required by this process, the shaper is usually a very experienced pre-former.<\/p>\n

Polishing: The final step is known as polishing. What I like to call it is \u2018opening a window.\u2019 So your gemstones reaches\u00a0 its ideal size and shape, you apply it to a horizontal polishing wheel or a metal disc that spins at very high speeds and is implanted with tiny particles of diamond. The stone is brought into contact with the disc, and a facet is born. This disc is called a \u201clap.\u201d the gem cutter completes the faceting by polishing the pavillion (the bottom of the stone) and the crown (top of the stone). When you are done with all that good stuff, slightly apply the stone sitting in the wax on the dopping stick to heat. The resin will start to loosen up and with a small blade, start to peel off the wax as much as you can without putting too much force into it. Treat it like you would treat a bum of a baby. What I like to do next is drop the stone in some denatured alcohol and wipe off any last particle of unwanted wax. The best part about all this is when you reach the climax of the \u2018money shot\u2019(I.E. your finsihed gem stone) and you look at the piece of art you\u2019ve just created.<\/p>\n

$\"\"$ <\/a><\/p>\n

With a few months of training and will power, you could be, potentially facetting 20 to 30 gems per day. But it may take many years to become a skilled preformer. Till next time\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"