Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials

Note: This is Volume 1 of Amateur Gemstone Faceting, containing Chapters 1 to 9. To track down Volume 2, search for Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 2: Expanding Your Horizons.Have you ever gazed in wonder at a faceted gemstone, at theever-changing interplay of light, colour, and sparkle, and askedyourself how such a thing could come into being? Gemstones have been asource of fascination, mystery, and power for millennia, yet it isonly in the last few decades that the tools and knowledge for creatingthese tiny miracles have been available to the average person.In this book, amateur faceter Tom Herbst lays out the stepsnecessary to transform a shapeless lump of rock into a glitteringjewel that is unique and valuable. Along the way, he explains not onlythe how but also the why, and provides helpful tips in dealingwith many of the pitfalls that confront the beginning gem cutter.At a bare minimum, this book should help you appreciate thecraftsmanship that gives life to the jewelry you love. Hopefully, however, you will be inspired to attempt your own first gemstone, theinitial step in what may be a lifelong involvement in the captivatinghobby of amateur gemstone faceting.Happy cutting, and may you make all your meets.Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials - ChapterSummariesForewordA welcome to the wonderful world of amateur gemstone faceting.Chapter 1 - Gems and FacetingExplains the nature and types of gemstones and introduces the hobbyof faceting.Chapter 2 - Faceting MachinesProvides an overview of the mechanics of faceting machines, including a section on evaluating and paying the right price for yourdream machine or even building your own. Includes a snapshot of thecurrent faceting machine market.Chapter 3 - LapsExplains cutting and polishing laps and the relative advantages anddisadvantages of each type. An overview of commercial offerings andtypical starting lap sets should help you make the best choice.Chapter 4 - Additional EquipmentDiscusses the additional equipment you will need or want, rangingfrom dop sticks to polishing compounds to lighting.Chapter 5 - GeM101: Your First GemstoneA detailed illustrated tutorial to guide you through cutting andpolishing your first gem, from selecting the rough stone to showingoff your handiwork.Chapter 6 - Gem RoughProvides advice on finding gem rough, selecting the right piece, and paying the right price for it. The chapter also discussessynthetic and simulant gemstones and orienting your gem rough formaximum visual impact and yield.Chapter 7 - DoppingExplains traditional dopping practice and introduces a hybridmethod which simplifies the process substantially. Includes a thoroughdiscussion of dop transfer technique to ensure proper alignment of thepavilion and crown.Chapter 8 - Cutting and PolishingExplains the techniques of cutting and polishing, includingsections on pre-forming, lap and facet sequencing, meet pointfaceting, polishing theory, and charging laps with compound. Extensivetroubleshooting discussions should help you avoid, or at leastcorrect, common cutting and polishing problems.Chapter 9 - Further ReadingAn expanded reading list on multiple faceting-related topics.Glossary of Faceting TermsA reasonably complete explanation of faceting terms, includingdirect pointers to the chapter and page where you can learn more.IndexThe two volumes of Amateur Gemstone Faceting comprise 20 chaptersand almost 900 pages. The merged index helps you quickly find what youneed.