How I Select The Pattern And Shape For A Cabochon

[hulagrub]

Bob, I really like the way you use the template. I feel a need for balance, but not neccesary symmetry, the stone and its pattern gives it balance, but now your use of the templates gives me something else to think about. And Mark, I am learning to be only smart enough at work, and maybe smarter at home (not so sure about the home part). It's not early senility, but oldtimers disease!

[Jeweller]

OK, so I'm a bit slow finding this thread....... But, as a newbie, this has been really helpful and interesting. Seeing the pics from rough to finished is great.
Did someone mention a claw shape? I thought I read it but scrolling through now I can't see it.....I'd love to see that shape, I just can't picture it....

[Mark]

Hi Tracy.  I love claw shaped cabs and do them often.  I have a template with something close to a claw and sometimes i just take a curve off of some template shape and use it to sorta free form a claw.  Sometimes something breaks and all that is left is enough cab for a claw, so that's what i end up with, and usually i like it more than what i started with.   Here's various claws.  The last pic has a variety of template shapes, the bottom one is the claw.  I usually end up with a pointier and more cuvry claw than the template suggests, by grinding more of a curve and point through the template lines on the preform.  

Mark

[ScarlettOSara]

Love those claws:) Love those stones:) Love those patterns:)
Love it, Love it:)

[Jeweller]

That's a really nice shape. I have seen that before but just never thought of it as a 'claw'...but now you say it I can see it. (I have to admit, I had visions of a sort of paw-print shape!  duh      )
Thanks for the pics, love the one of the slab with all the pieces marked out, really shows how to make the most of the slab.

[Mark]

I have made a bunch of different shaped claws, some much more pointier and curvier, some long and some short.  It just depends how the preform looks.  Sometimes I don't like how the preform turns out and I just start grinding away.  Sometimes the preform breaks or cracks, and I have to rework it and often a claw shape is about all I can get out of what's left.  My current cab which started out as another shape, had a break and I turned the remaining preform into a claw shaped cab.   It is turning into one of my favorite cabs of alll time. 

Being down under, you should go rockhounding and look for some Gaspeite, Marra Mamba, and Nickloan Magnesite.  Check out Glen Archer of outbackmining.com.  You guys have some of the most incredible stone down there.  If you find a bunch of Gaspeite, please send me some.  That stuff is great and hard to find.

Mark

[Jeweller]

I'll try one of the claw shapes soon..... just as soon as I learn how to do inside curves! And I must get myself some templates, I have ovals and rounds but I need to get some teardrop shapes.

My lapidary club does a rock-hounding trip once a month so I'm hoping to go in the new year. I have no idea what Gaspeite is, but I promise if I find some I'll send you a nice piece!!   

[Buck75]

Wow sounds like we got a Aussie jeweler addicted to lapidary.   I'd love to trade for some of your future finds and slabs too.

Donnie

[Jeweller]

Yes, you guys got me hooked !!

Don't be holding your breath for me going rock-hounding though.....it's only once a month and I can only go if it's a Sunday since I work Saturdays.....BUT, I will try and get out to a couple of them but if I find anything,  I will certainly be willing to share