Tips for Mailing Gems Safely

In the March 2000 USFG newsletter, five of the USA’s top cutters participating in the Australian International Faceting Challenge, the “Olympics of Faceting,” wrote personal reports. They included their procedures for safely packaging and mailing gems for competition. You should read these experience-based procedures very carefully. If possible, follow them accordingly.

Use Pressurized Air to Clean Containers

With a can of pressurized air, blow out that plastic container bottom, foam insert, and, above all, the inside of the lid. While in transit, one microscopic piece of quartz dust can raise havoc with a perfectly polished table. One simple “cat hair” scratch could cost you the competition.

Use Clean Foam to Protect the Table

For additional protection for the table during transit, place a very thin, super clean piece of foam between the table and container lid. That will help prevent vibrations.

Protect the Culet

With a leather punch or a similar center punch, cut a very small hole clear through the foam insert. This will protect the culet. This goes especially for you Master cutters, always playing around with super-sensitive topaz. Do everything you can to protect that culet from the vibration and rough handing…