Gem Rough Orientation: Looking Beyond the Obvious Cut
Gem rough orientation isn’t always simple. Sometimes the obvious cut may not be the best choice. Learn how orienting rough can affect gem yields…
Gem rough orientation isn’t always simple. Sometimes the obvious cut may not be the best choice. Learn how orienting rough can affect gem yields…
What is Arizona black jade? Learn about this unusual opaque black gem material and follow this pendant carving demonstration by a master carver.…
What faceting equipment do novices need to learn to cut gems? Learn what faceting machines, laps, books, and supplies are most suitable for beginners.…
Polishing kunzite can be very challenging, especially for novice gemstone faceters. Learn what tools and techniques work best.
What kinds of gems can novice faceters cut to make a profit? Learn which gemstones make money reliably and which ones have limited potential.
Experts might successfully cut gems crown first, but cutting pavilion first is usually the best and most practical method. Read this article to…
The Spectra Ultralap is an excellent choice for polishing quartz and beryl gemstones. Learn how to use this lap and maximize its practical life.…
Novice gem faceters often have questions about dopping with wax. Learn what types of dopping wax to use and how to get started.
Are you ready to sell your cut gemstones to local jewelers? Here are some basic rules for selling gems that will help you get started.
Using the right gem cutting abrasives is critical for gem cutters. Our grit, mesh, and micron conversion chart will help you choose the correct…
Most gem cutters prefer using scored polishing laps. They work better and faster than non-scored laps. Learn how to score and break in your lap.…
Can an apex crown improve a gem’s tilt brightness? See how a gram wagon wheel gem design will affect your gem and how it compares to a round brilliant.…
How can a custom gem faceter compete with commercial cutting houses? Learn how cut stone sizes, gem quality, and expert cutting can make a difference.…
How can new gem cutters succeed in the gemstone business? Learn how rough buying and custom cutting can give you a competitive edge.
There are no shortcuts in the gemstone business. Learn why newcomers need to identify clear goals before investing in gems and training.
Problem gem rough can challenge novice faceters. Learn how to judge colors so you can orient such a stone and cut for the best color in the finished…
To make money, novice faceters have to buy gem parcels as well as hand-picked quality rough. Learn how a combination of both approaches can lead…
Novice faceters may worry if they’re selling stones to jewelers too cheaply. Learn the best way to approach pricing and selling your gems to your…
Do gems with split mains and odd symmetry perform well? Learn the difference between these designs and more popular ones and whether you should…
Cutting the right size girdle for a gem can be difficult. Learn how girdles and jewelry settings affect each other and how best to measure girdle…
Cutting crystals for the best gem yield is a critical skill for faceters. This walkthrough can help novices learn how to visualize the gems before…
Halite is a very difficult material to facet, even for experts. Jeff Graham offers his advice on how to cut and polish this challenging yet tasty…
What’s the best abrasive for polishing natural gems? An oxide polish is usually the best option. Learn the different uses of oxide and diamond polishes.…
Gems with odd symmetry designs include popular trillions as well as unusual 7-sided stones. Learn the limitations and possibilities of these…
How can gem cutters predict the color that gem rough will likely show when cut? Learn how the simple white paper test can help you buy the right material.…
Telling synthetic rough from natural stones in a gem parcel can be challenging. These tips can help you find some telltale signs of lab-created…
Novice faceters need to build beneficial business relationships with jewelers. To do this, learn how to manage gemstone repair work (and when…
Buying rough is the foundation of the gem cutting business. Learn the basic rules novice faceters need to know in order to purchase quality gem materials.…
What does it take to succeed at cutting and selling gemstones? Jeff Graham offers newcomers some advice on treating faceting like a business.
Selling lab-created cut gems can be quite difficult. Learn what makes this market hard to crack and the best ways to make money cutting synthetic…
Can you create and cut a gem design to make the most of a stone’s tilt brightness? Learn whether your gem will benefit from this consideration.
Natural and synthetic quartz rough are both inexpensive. Nevertheless, learn why novice faceters should practice with the natural material…
How should novice faceters choose their first gemstones? Learn which gem rough materials combine cutting ease, low cost, good size, and profit…
Barion cut designs aren’t just for diamonds. Jeff Graham offers some advice for faceting this style as well as choosing the right gemstones for…
If you’re cutting natural rough gems, learn to expect fractures. Stress from an unknown flaw can break out during roughing, faceting, or even…
Distinguishing African paraíba from Brazilian paraíba tourmalines is difficult. This gallery showcases bright neon specimens from Nigeria.…
A tourmaline crystal can show many color combos. This system for grading the C axis of rough can help faceters visualize a gem’s color accurately.…
A dichroscope can distinguish the colors of pleochroic gems. Learn how gem cutters can use this tool to choose the best faceting designs for these…
There’s more to aquamarine color than blue. Most natural stones start blueish green and are heated to blue. Learn the pros and cons of this treatment.…
A checkerboard heart design is a great choice for a red or pink gem. Jeff Graham takes novice cutters through the faceting process, step by step.…
What do you need to know about starting a gem cutting business? These basic rules cover topics from buying and cutting rough to getting along with…
In the gem trade, good manners are important. This guide to gem business etiquette will help newcomers make friends and money — and also avoid…
New to the gem trade? Heading to a gem and jewelry show? Our jewelry and gem show FAQ can help you get ready and make the most of your trip.
What’s the difference between synthetic, simulated, and created gemstones? Learn the definitions (and gray areas) of these commonly used terms.…
Gem stress can cause stones to break during faceting. Learn what techniques may reduce the odds of fracturing and how to spot problem rough before…
Learn how to cut Jeff Graham’s Simple Portuguese gem design with this step-by-step photo guide. This modified classic works well for deep gems…
Emerald treatments, such as oiling, are very common. Learn what these techniques do, how emeralds are graded, and what gems make great green alternatives,…
Can you tell if gem rough is too expensive? Learn how to estimate rough gemstone value by considering your gem yield and the prices for your faceted…
How much and how fast do you have to work if you want to make a living cutting gems? Jeff Graham has some advice for those who want to enter the business.…
Can you rely on gemstone certificates to reveal everything that can affect the value of pricey gems? Learn what to look for when you have a gem certified.…
Gem cutters use the “length-to-width” or L/W ratio to determine how to cut rough gems. Learn how to choose gem designs based on a stone’s L/W…
Precious metal clay is just what it sounds like: fine silver or gold ground extremely small and suspended in a binder to create clay. For both novice…
Sintered laps are expensive, metal/diamond bonded gem cutting laps. Are they worth the investment? Learn about their advantages and disadvantages.…
All gem designs balance multiple factors that affect the stone’s appearance. Before tweaking a design, consider the overall goal for the finished…
What constitutes a princess cut? Jeff Graham examines a variety of diamonds sold as examples of this design and identifies their overall characteristics.…
A color wheel and mixing chart can help novice gem cutters evaluate how well colors will mix in a finished piece. Learn how to utilize these common…
Can you turn dark saturated rough gems into facetable material? Learn how to pick the right cuts and heat treatments and, importantly, when to just…
Can gem grading avoid subjective terms? Learn about gemologist Jeff Graham’s common sense gemstone grading system, an alternative to commercial…
Considering buying gems in Afghanistan? Learn which Afghan gemstones to seek out, which to avoid, and prepare for a “buyer beware” experience.…
Ultra Tec factory is located in Santa Ana, California, It is a factory where machines for faceting is made and has been in the industry for quite some…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2009 article.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2007 article.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2008 article.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2005 article.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2006 article.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what Jeff shares on the Just Ask Jeff: Tucson Gem Show 2004 article.…
This is a quickie, the day the Kraft Masters were setting up Robert who is the plant manager at Precious Metals West casting platinum.
Milling Platinum Sterling-A New Alloy. This year at Kraftwerks the refiners of a brand new alloy were there to demonstrate this new and interesting…
Mokume-Gane Metal Techniques with James Binnion. This is a very old technique of fusing various different metals together using pressure and…
The 2004 Kraftwerks was held in Ontario California at the Precious Metals West factory. There was a lot of past “Masters” from previous Kraftwerks…
The Kraftwerks event 2003 is held in the actual factory environment. This event is a rare opportunity to meet some of the top people in the jewelry…
David C Freda is a very well known metalsmith, artist, and naturalist. His work is considered some of the best in the world.
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his detailed information on the Tucson Gem Show Dates.
Solidscapes pretty much do anything, and at a detail level and precision that is just not possible using the old traditional wax carving methods.…
This new alloy is called Platinum Sterling, and is mostly fine silver with a modifier of Platinum in it (4-6%). There is also a small amount of copper.…
Just Ask Jeff :There are a lot of questions out there about gemstone designs and designing. Here are some common Q&As about designing tools and more.…
Just Ask Jeff : There seems to be a lot of questions out there about gemstone designs and designing. Here are some common questions and answers to…
Just Ask Jeff :There seems to be a lot of questions out there about gemstone designs and designing.Here are some common questions and answers about…
“Just ask Jeff” gives tips on choosing the right Faceting Machine. Several discounter’s will sell anything that they can and do not care about the…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what a “master faceter” is in Just Ask Jeff: What is a Master?…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What faceting clubs and guilds do I support? Why?…
Jeff R Graham, “Just Ask Jeff” talks about what is up with manufacturers’ declining business and the effects it causes like the lack of product support.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. Figuring rough cost on Just Ask Jeff: How do I figure rough cost?…
Just Ask Jeff: Care and Treatment of Laps – “Just Ask Jeff” gives a few tips on the basic things to do in the care of your laps and laps treatment
Get the insight of Jeff on all your questions and concerns about Gemstones. This “Just ask Jeff” article talks about the authenticity of man-made…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinion on gem topics in Just Ask Jeff.See his answers to How do I transfer a heat sensitive stone with super glue to a new dop?…
Jeff R Graham shares what his thoughts are on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answer is to How do I dop a heat sensitive stone with super…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answer is to Re-dopping a stone… How do I do it?.
Get the insight of Jeff on all your questions and concerns about Gemstones. “Just ask Jeff” tackles faceting machine and a few helpful things you…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to Weight and length conversions…What…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on the gem rough market. Read more on some very important perspective to be aware of on the gem industry.
Buying a used faceting machine is a lot like buying a used car, you can get a good one but you need to know the faceting machine considerations when…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions, thoughts and suggestions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share on Just Ask Jeff:Jubilee…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What is the Bisbee Mineral show like?…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to How does the supply of gemstones and rough actually…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and ideas on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Graves Faceting…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What does Siberite Tourmaline look…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answers to Why is some rough stone like Topaz the same cost of cut stones?…
Just Ask Jeff: Carats vs. Grams? Which is best? Most people can count and are not going to pay more for a stone just because it is weighed in carats.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Facetron Faceting Machine.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: Ultra Tec Faceting Machine.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What is my opinion on laps? What do I use?…
Jeff R Graham shares about commercial and rough stone prices. See his answers to Why does rough cost almost as much as commercially cut stones sometimes?…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answer is to What is Tangent Ratioing? What is your…
“Just Ask Jeff” shares his thoughts on the Color Stone Grading System of The GIA. In May 2008, he had been informed that the grading system was modified.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answers are to What Does a Top Color Change Garnet Look…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What is a Last Lap and how do I use it?
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See some books about stones in What are good books to start with?…
Just Ask Jeff: Do you really need faceting add-ons like dial, indicators, stain gauges, down lights, digital read outs? Read the opinions of Jeff…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See the several ways to clean dops on Just Ask Jeff:How do I clean…
Jeff R Graham share on a finding Lapidary/Faceting Club in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to How do I find a club in my area?
Jeff R Graham talks about unaligned machine in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What do I do if I think my machine is out of alignment?
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answers are to What is a good faceting machine to start…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Oregon Sunstone Mining – Double Eagle Mining Company.…
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a man made material and comes from all over the world. There are several methods of making it, and we explain them.
The first thing you need to know is that making money faceting is not a very hard thing to do. Most people that learn to facet make some money.
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Schiller/Oregon Sunstone.
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what he has to share about Oregon Sunstone Mining – Out Back Mining Company.…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to the continuing questionable Andesine…
What is it? Andesine? Labradorite? Well, let us ask Jeff about the Labradorite Value and Marketing issues and get things straight about Labradorite…
Just Ask Jeff shares his frustrations on customer multiple orders and returns which is a common customer problems among rough dealers.
Jeff R. Graham shares his two cents on Dishonest People and hidden agendas” of some people that he had to have dealings with in the industry.
Jeff R Graham shares his thoughts and insights on the hassles of customer picture requests and why most dealers do not bother to send them.
Jeff R Graham shares determining c axis on topaz. See his answers to How do I tell where the “c” axis on Topaz is and orientate it?.
Jeff R. Graham covers the gemstone industry and says do not believe everything you hear. Just Ask Jeff shares his opinion on finding honest experts…
“Just Ask Jeff” gives his opinions and comments and detailed explanation on Buying Gemstones from shopping networks. Read on for more!
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answer to Questions you need to ask when buying a digital Faceting Machine?…
Just Ask Jeff: Contaminated Laps? Bort Charging Laps? Jeff R. Graham shares some details and helpful information on contaminated laps or bort…
Jeff R Graham shares his thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See the use of denatured alcohol in Just Ask Jeff: What Kind of alcohol should…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to What are Friable diamonds Polishes?…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and ideas on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his thoughts are on Just ask Jeff: Review: OMNI Faceting Machine.…
Just Ask Jeff: Do I need a ceramic lap and how do I get it to work?Whether you need ceramic lap or not, really depends on what type of cutting you are doing…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his two cents are on Gemray or GemrayX head shadow.
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers and thoughts are on Gemray vs GemrayX image rendering..…
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to Just Ask Jeff: How do I polish Sapphires?.…
Just Ask Jeff answers “Can I make money cutting that rough?”. Profit making from rough gems is an important issue for all who want to facet and make…
Jeff R Graham share about polishing quartz and beryl in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to How to Polish Quartz & Beryl?
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