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1  Lapidary the Internet and You / Moderator, Michael Hoover / Gemstone and Lapidary News, Events and Artices / Good vs Bad cutting on: January 20, 2025, 10:35:36 pm
THIS IS REPOST
Hello everyone,

I received 2 tourmalines from one of my clients for recutting into artistic-cuts and I wanted to make a quick post explaining everyone the importance of good cutting.
2.83ct Green Tourmaline (Click this link to view photo - https://ibb.co/xfsHWDb )
2.59ct Green Tourmaline (Click this link to view photo - https://ibb.co/4744cjC )
As you can see these have been cut & maintained very poorly evident by the scuffs, scratches and chipped off facets on the surface of the stones and lack of brilliance. (Click link to view photo- https://ibb.co/qWs9Cct ).
So, our customer has requested them to be re-cut into Artistic cuts to improve the brilliance and value of these stones.
We have chosen cuts called “Red Rose” and “Double Cross Square”. Both created by master gem cutter Mr. Jeff R. Graham (Click link to view photo - https://ibb.co/CVttGpP )
They look absolutely amazing after cutting them. Click these inks to view the images
https://ibb.co/5rZ1BpX
https://ibb.co/Z8xQFtp
Now of course It’s hard to see the difference with pictures so I have also made a video and uploaded it to YouTube. Please click this link and watch how it looks on YouTube https://youtu.be/AVd3KTgbU08
As you can see, the difference is massive compared to how the Tourmalines looked before. Many of you already know that "cut" is one of the 4Cs used for grading gemstones, and this example highlights the importance of a high-quality cut.
I hope this post was beneficial for you and thank you for your interest!
Thanks,
Best Regards

Azard Fazahir
2  Stone Talk / Moderator, Hummingbirdstones ( Robin ) / Share Our Finished Cabochons and General Cabbing Questions / Tutorials / Cutting Oregon Sunstones: A Step-by-Step Guide on: January 16, 2025, 11:47:22 pm
THIS IS REPOST
Hello to the Lapidary/Gemstone Community,

Today, I’ll walk you through how we process and cut Oregon Sunstones that were sent to us by a customer from Washington, USA. We follow a precise process to ensure the highest quality and best results for the stones.

Step 1 – Rough Evaluation
First, our master cutters carefully assess each rough sunstone. This involves evaluating the size, clarity, and any visible features such as cracks or inclusions. Oregon Sunstones, in particular, may contain inclusions like copper platelets, which give the stones their distinctive shimmer (also known as "schiller"). These inclusions affect both the visual appeal and how the stone should be cut.

In some cases, the customer provides specific instructions on how they want the stone cut, such as the desired shape and style. For this order, however, the customer has given us the freedom to select the best cut based on each stone's natural characteristics. Our goal is always to maximize both beauty and yield.

Step 2 – Slicing
When the rough stone contains significant flaws, such as cracks or large inclusions, it may need to be sliced into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if a crack runs through the stone, we may slice along the crack to create two clean pieces. This is important because inclusions and cracks can weaken the stone or negatively affect its appearance.

We use precision diamond saws for slicing, which allows us to make clean cuts without damaging the material. The slicing process helps to optimize the amount of usable material from each stone.

Step 3 – Pre-Shaping
After the stones are evaluated and sliced, we move on to pre-shaping. This step involves forming the rough into a basic shape that is best suited to the stone's natural structure and internal features. Our cutters take great care in this process, as it helps to conserve material and prepare the stone for the final stages of cutting.

We aim to reduce waste and enhance the stone's overall look by selecting the most efficient and visually pleasing shape. At this stage, the stone is not yet cut to its final design, but it is being shaped with precision to prepare for later steps.

Step 4 – Doping
Once pre-shaped, the stones are attached to dop sticks, which are tools that hold the stones securely while they are being worked on. We use wax and adhesive to mount the stone onto the dop stick, allowing our cutters to have precise control during the cutting and polishing stages without the stone loosening and falling during cutting process. This is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of the final cut.

Step 5 – Shaping & Sanding
In this stage, the stones are shaped more accurately using grinding wheels, fine abrasives, and tools designed to bring the stone closer to its final form. We use different levels of grit during the sanding process, starting with coarser grit to shape the stone and then moving to finer grit to smooth out any imperfections.

The shaping and sanding process refines the stone's facets or smooths it into the desired shape, depending on whether we are cutting a faceted gem or a cabochon.

Step 6 – Polishing and Quality Control
The final stage involves polishing the sunstones to a high Luster, using polishing wheels and compounds like diamond paste or cerium oxide. This process brings out the stone's brilliance, ensuring a smooth, reflective surface.

Once polished, each gemstone undergoes rigorous quality control. We inspect the stones under magnification to ensure that there are no surface imperfections or structural weaknesses, and that the stone meets high American and European cutting standards. Only after passing this check are the stones considered finished and ready to be returned to the customer.

Final Results
With the polishing and quality control complete, the sunstones are now beautiful, high-quality gemstones, ready for use in jewellery or as collectibles.

Thank you for your interest! We’ve been cutting gemstones for over 23 years, serving customers around the world. If you’re interested in having your gemstones cut and polished, please contact us at citygemsandjewelry@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.gemcuttingservice.net to learn more about our services, which also include jewellery making and sapphire heat treatment.

3  The Gathering / Introductions / Good vs Bad cutting on: December 11, 2024, 02:36:07 am
Hello everyone,

I received 2 tourmalines from one of my clients for recutting into artistic-cuts and I wanted to make a quick post explaining everyone the importance of good cutting.

2.83ct Green Tourmaline
2.59ct Green Tourmaline

As you can see these have been cut & maintained very poorly evident by the scuffs, scratches and chipped off facets on the surface of the stones and lack of brilliance.

So, our customer has requested them to be re-cut into Artistic cuts to improve the brilliance and value of these stones.
We have chosen cuts called “Red Rose” and “Double Cross Square”. Both created by master gem cutter Mr. Jeff R. Graham

They look absolutely amazing after cutting them.

Now of course It’s hard to see the difference with pictures so I have also made a video and uploaded it to YouTube. Please click this link and watch how it looks on YouTube https://youtu.be/AVd3KTgbU08

As you can see, the difference is massive compared to how the Tourmalines looked before. Many of you already know that "cut" is one of the 4Cs used for grading gemstones, and this example highlights the importance of a high-quality cut.

I hope this post was beneficial for you and thank you for your interest!
Thanks,

Best Regards

Azard Fazahir

4  The Gathering / Our Place / Good vs Bad cutting on: November 28, 2024, 02:15:53 am
Hello Lapidary/Gemstone community,

Today I have these 2 tourmalines that I received from one of my clients for recutting into artistic-cuts and I wanted to make a quick post showing everyone the magic a good cut makes.
2.83ct Green Tourmaline
2.59ct Green Tourmaline

As you can see these have been cut & maintained very poorly evident by the scuffs, scratches and chipped off facets on the surface of the stones and lack of brilliance.

So, our customer has requested them to be re-cut into Artistic cuts to improve the brilliance and value of these stones.
We have chosen cuts called “Red Rose” and “Double Cross Square”. Both created by master gem cutter Mr. Jeff R. Graham

Now this is how it looks like after re cutting them.

Now of course It’s hard to see the difference with pictures so I have also made a video and uploaded it to YouTube. Please click this link and watch how it looks on YouTube https://youtu.be/AVd3KTgbU08
As you can see, the difference is massive compared to how the Tourmalines looked before. Many of you already know that "cut" is one of the 4Cs used for grading gemstones, and this example highlights the importance of a high-quality cut. For this reason, it's crucial to have your precious gemstones expertly cut by professionals, so you can fully maximize the value and beauty of your investment.
Here at City Gems & Jewelry we have been cutting all kinds of gemstones worldwide for over 24 years with hundreds of loyal customers working with us from USA, Europe, Australia and other parts of the world. We have become one of the most trusted lapidaries in the world. We guarantee high quality America/European standard faceting, cabbing and Jewelry Making services in Gold and Silver.
If you’re interested in having your gemstones cut and polished or make jewelry, please contact us at citygemsjewelry@gemcuttingservice.net, or visit our website at www.gemcuttingservice.net to learn more about our services, which also include jewelry making and sapphire heat treatment.
Thanks,
Best Regards

Azard Fazahir
CITYGEMS LAPIDARY & JEWELRY MFG
246/3/111 Matale Road, Akurana, Sri Lanka,
ZIP CODE: 20850.
TEL +94 - 814-474816
WhatsApp: +94-772-866467
Web: www.gemcuttingservice.net
WORLD TOP CLASS GEM CUTTERS, BENCH JEWELERS & SAPPHIRE HEAT TREATERS WITH GEMOLOGIST SERVICES.





5  The Gathering / Introductions / Introductions on: November 10, 2024, 11:47:46 pm
Hello Lapidary/Gemstone Community,

I’m new to this esteemed forum and I wanted to make a quick introduction about myself. I am a Gem cutter, Jeweler and Gemologist. I have a Lapidary in Sri Lanka where other cutters such as myself Facet & cabochon gems and set them in Siver and Gold jewelry worldwide. I have been doing this for over 24 years now and have learned a lot. I also have memberships in respected industry associations such as IGS and Polygon. I am joining this forum to share my experiences, tips, tricks and guides with different kinds of stones that I had the pleasure of working on and learn what I can from others in this forum as well.

Thank you for having me and I hope I can be of help to everyone here.
Cheers
Azard Fazahir
6  The Gathering / Introductions / Cutting Oregon Sunstones: A Step-by-Step Guide on: October 23, 2024, 01:29:57 am
 
Hello to the Lapidary / Gemstone Community Forum,

Today, I’ll walk you through how we process and cut Oregon Sunstones that were sent to us by a customer from Washington, USA. We follow a precise process to ensure the highest quality and best results for the stones.

Step 1 – Rough Evaluation
First, our master cutters carefully assess each rough sunstone. This involves evaluating the size, clarity, and any visible features such as cracks or inclusions. Oregon Sunstones, in particular, may contain inclusions like copper platelets, which give the stones their distinctive shimmer (also known as "schiller"). These inclusions affect both the visual appeal and how the stone should be cut.

In some cases, the customer provides specific instructions on how they want the stone cut, such as the desired shape and style. For this order, however, the customer has given us the freedom to select the best cut based on each stone's natural characteristics. Our goal is always to maximize both beauty and yield.

Step 2 – Slicing
When the rough stone contains significant flaws, such as cracks or large inclusions, it may need to be sliced into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, if a crack runs through the stone, we may slice along the crack to create two clean pieces. This is important because inclusions and cracks can weaken the stone or negatively affect its appearance.

We use precision diamond saws for slicing, which allows us to make clean cuts without damaging the material. The slicing process helps to optimize the amount of usable material from each stone.

Step 3 – Pre-Shaping
After the stones are evaluated and sliced, we move on to pre-shaping. This step involves forming the rough into a basic shape that is best suited to the stone's natural structure and internal features. Our cutters take great care in this process, as it helps to conserve material and prepare the stone for the final stages of cutting.

We aim to reduce waste and enhance the stone's overall look by selecting the most efficient and visually pleasing shape. At this stage, the stone is not yet cut to its final design, but it is being shaped with precision to prepare for later steps.

Step 4 – Doping
Once pre-shaped, the stones are attached to dop sticks, which are tools that hold the stones securely while they are being worked on. We use wax and adhesive to mount the stone onto the dop stick, allowing our cutters to have precise control during the cutting and polishing stages without the stone loosening and falling during cutting process. This is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of the final cut.

Step 5 – Shaping & Sanding
In this stage, the stones are shaped more accurately using grinding wheels, fine abrasives, and tools designed to bring the stone closer to its final form. We use different levels of grit during the sanding process, starting with coarser grit to shape the stone and then moving to finer grit to smooth out any imperfections.

The shaping and sanding process refines the stone's facets or smooths it into the desired shape, depending on whether we are cutting a faceted gem or a cabochon.

Step 6 – Polishing and Quality Control
The final stage involves polishing the sunstones to a high luster, using polishing wheels and compounds like diamond paste or cerium oxide. This process brings out the stone's brilliance, ensuring a smooth, reflective surface.

Once polished, each gemstone undergoes rigorous quality control. We inspect the stones under magnification to ensure that there are no surface imperfections or structural weaknesses, and that the stone meets high American and European cutting standards. Only after passing this check are the stones considered finished and ready to be returned to the customer.

Final Results
With the polishing and quality control complete, the sunstones are now beautiful, high-quality gemstones, ready for use in jewelry or as collectibles.

Thank you for your interest! We’ve been cutting gemstones for over 23 years, serving customers around the world. If you’re interested in having your gemstones cut and polished, please contact us at citygemsandjewelry@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.gemcuttingservice.net to learn more about our services, which also include jewelry making and sapphire heat treatment.

We have a video version of the cutting process which you can view using this link to our YouTube channel
https://youtu.be/STJ-brReq_g


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