For less expensive gems, start with quartz, fluorite, crystal, beryl, and tourmaline. If you’re ready to work with semi-precious and precious gems, try sapphires, zircon, garnets, amethysts, and opals.
A reputable online dealer should offer a 30-day return policy, offer a variety of payment options, and offer gem certification from an independent lab.
Remember that the cut gem will be smaller than the rough gem, so choose a shape that won’t waste too much of the gem. Other basic cuts include round, square, oval, and triangle.
Square shapes such as asscher, antique (cushion), princess, emerald, octagon, or baguette. Round shapes such as briolette, cabochon, or radiant. Oval or triangular shapes such as marquise, trillion (trilliant), or heart.
If you have a lot of rough to remove, use a 260 grit lap. Since faceting machines are expensive and not usually available for rent, see if you can take a few faceting classes to become familiar with using them. If you want to buy one, find one directly from a manufacturer or look online.
Let the wax cool before you grind it so the gem stays on the dop stick. Once you’ve gained experience, consider using superglue or cyanoacrylate adhesives instead of wax. These are less likely to break off or damage heat-sensitive gems such as opals.
The outline you cut will depend on which shape you’ve chosen. For example, you’ll make a rectangular girdle for an emerald cut. Consult the machine’s instruction manual for specific instructions about each style of cut.
To get the cut you want, you may have to reheat the dop wax, remove the rough, and reposition it in the hot wax. Heating the stone along with the wax will not harm it.
To remove the finished stone from the dop stick, warm the wax near an open flame so it softens. Then pull the stone away from the wax.
Fluorite Malachite Coral Pearl Amber
Keep rubbing the gem to make several facets and roughly shape the gem.
Remember to rinse the gem once you’ve finished with the 600 grit sandpaper.
By now, the gem should be completely smooth on every side.
If you’re having a hard time seeing if the gem is polished enough, rinse it occasionally and dry it before rubbing it over the metal polish again.
If it still looks rough in spots, you can rub it over wet sandpaper again. Try the 1200 grit to smooth a small spot.
