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by Tom Herbst (Author)
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 - ChapterSummaries
Foreword
A welcome to the wonderful world of amateur gemstone faceting.
Chapter 1 - Gems and Faceting
Explains the nature and types of gemstones and introduces the hobbyof faceting.
Chapter 2 - Faceting Machines
Provides 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 - Laps
Explains 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 Equipment
Discusses the additional equipment you will need or want, rangingfrom dop sticks to polishing compounds to lighting.
Chapter 5 - GeM101: Your First Gemstone
A detailed illustrated tutorial to guide you through cutting andpolishing your first gem, from selecting the rough stone to showingoff your handiwork.
Chapter 6 - Gem Rough
Provides 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 - Dopping
Explains 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 Polishing
Explains 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 Reading
An expanded reading list on multiple faceting-related topics.
Glossary of Faceting Terms
A reasonably complete explanation of faceting terms, includingdirect pointers to the chapter and page where you can learn more.
Index
The two volumes of Amateur Gemstone Faceting comprise 20 chaptersand almost 900 pages. The merged index helps you quickly find what youneed.
Author Biography
Tom Herbst is an amateur faceter and all-round rock enthusiast. Born in eastern Ontario, Canada, he received his formal education in Montreal, Quebec, Waterloo, Ontario, and Ithaca, New York. A research astrophysicist in his "day" job, Tom specializes in the design, construction, and scientific exploitation of novel astronomical instrumentation. Although he began collecting pretty rocks as a kid, it was not until his mid-thirties that Tom realized that creating gemstones is within everyone's grasp. A few faceting lessons and a homebuilt machine later, he was deep into the hobby and has never looked back. Tom currently lives in Germany, along with his wife and their two teenage sons.
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