Lapidary
Cutting and polishing gems: cabochons, faceting and cut types.
5 entries
Techniques
Cabochon cutting
A cabochon is a stone polished into a smooth dome with no facets; how it is cut with grinding wheels of decreasing grit and polished, and which stones are cut this way.
Techniques
Gemstone faceting
Faceting cuts a gem with polished flat surfaces (facets) arranged to reflect light; the faceting machine, angles, indexing and polishing.
Techniques
Glyptics: cameos and intaglios
Glyptics engraves stones and shells: the cameo is carved in relief and the intaglio in recess; history and technique of a miniature art.
Techniques
Stone tumbling
A rotary tumbler rounds and polishes stones in stages of ever finer abrasive over weeks; how it is done and which stones suit it.
Jewelry
Types of gem and diamond cuts
A catalog of the most common gem and diamond cuts: brilliant, princess, emerald, Asscher, radiant, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, heart, baguette and cabochon.