Inspired by a Bactrian/Indus valley beads.

[lopacki]

Bead made of Polar Jade "Nephrite".
FINISHED BEAD SIZE 2.11 inch 53.5 mm long .48 inch 12.1 mm in diameter



Rough piece as purchased cut in half



Each piece a bit over two inches long 16mmX16mm



Piece in hand to give an idea of size.



5mm hole drilled dead center.



Both sides of rough cut bi-cone, note witness marks showing how well centered the hole is.



Hole end after cutting rough cut bi-cone



Shaped to taper and radius cut bi-cone shape.
When I had the bead to this point I studied it for awhile and thought about cutting a small radius in the center. I took all the measurements and drew it in Rhino5 3D software
I then made the cut for the radius on the bead and saw that I thought it would work out very well all of this without having to make a single cut in the actual bead.




Thought the center radius looked great so back to work.



Center radius cut and polished.



Piece finished on top of a mirror.



Finished bead in fingers to show size.



Funny what you can find hiding inside a piece of stone ................ Time to start looking!!

All my best ..... Danny

The thickness of the of the material on the outer edge is .80 mm

[stonemon]

Stunning.....

[Marty]

Looks really perfect! Do you use a index gear when you did the radius on your bead? In one of your pictures I see almost machined type surfaces or faceted paths. I imagine that you must have some template that you ride on with a grinder and are able to rotate the bead for each cut or pass. However you do it, the final piece is stunning!

[lopacki]

Marty.
I have a few fixtures that I have made that makes it possible for me to do this as I always make my beads around the hole so the hole is very important. The bead is never fixed it is free turning I slowly hand turn is as I cut it so needless to say there are quite a few hours in a project like this.

All my best ....... Danny

[southerly]

Always love your beads, great craftsmanship in this one. Nice jade too.

[James D. Farrow]

Beautiful!

James

[55fossil]

Beautiful.  pieces like this are very inspirational. If only the weeds would quit growing.

[lithicbeads]

Great post. The power of beads over many stone cutters is not to be underestimated as lapidaries who indulge in making them find themselves creating visual wonders that are firmly fixed in millenniums of tradition , an intoxicating combination.

[aksockeye]

That is really amazing! Your work is inspirational.

[Helene]

The play of translucency depending on the varying thicknesses is intriguing.   I find few beads that transcend from craft to art.  For some reason this one does.  A mini sculpture, beautiful in its simplicity, enhancing the material, not overpowering it.  Well done.