Columbia Willamette Faceters Guild
Turning Pretty Rocks into Pretty Awesome Gemstones
From the monthly archives:
Clean-up of Messy Epoxy Tubes and Mixing Surfaces
by Glenn Ruminson (FACETS Mar 2005)
I got tired of getting my fingers gummed up from leaking epoxy and hardener tubes. I avoid the mess by slipping a 2″ by 3″ polyethylene bag over the bottom end of the tube — all the mess stays inside the bag.
This is [...]
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There are a few software programs of use to faceters. The first that comes to mind is GemCad, developed by Robert Strickland. According to GemCad.com, “Gemcad is a computer-aided design (CAD) program for faceted gemstones. It runs under Windows 95 or later on PC compatibles with screen resolution of at least 800 x 600.” [...]
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By Dick Walker. Published in FACETS, January 2005
The time-tested method of dopping with hot wax seems to have gone the way of the Dodo bird for most people. I still use hot wax on occasion when I am in a hurry or perhaps someone else is in a hurry. Now I favor the use of epoxy, the [...]
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Resources abound on the web, and forums are great for getting together while staying at home. Here are a few faceting forums I’ve found. Let us know if you know of others and we’ll add them. (Note, links open in new window)
USFG Faceters List Very active lis. Current topics: Who do you buy rough from, [...]
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With the dizzying array of equipment available, Your Gemologist has a nice write-up explaining a bit about what many of the various gemstone identification tools do and why they do it. This equipment is used by both gemologists and faceters.
What equipment do you use? Did you teach yourself?
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A few sources for gemology education include the International School of Gemology (more expensive) and IGS, International Gem Society (less expensive). I have not attended either so only cite what I found online but both look interesting.
Also check out Your Gemologist (warning, it has audio that plays no matter what, so turn down your speakers [...]
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Old magazines are a goldmine of information but imagine my surprise when I came across this? The Popular Mechanics Feb 1971 issue had an article entitled “Make Your Own Faceting Machine” and here it is in full. It’s not exactly the easiest looking home project, but hey, if you’ve got the time and inclination, go [...]
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If you are interested in faceting you may already have an interest in gemstones or rocks in general (most of us do). But where do you go when you’d like to get a bit more in-depth education? One great online resource is Barbara Smigel’s free Gemology Course offered through CSN (College of Southern Nevada). The [...]
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Refractor is a common material used to examine “inside” a stone. Here’s a great explanation in how to use refractol found at TheImage.com.
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Earth’s Minerals Scratch Patch
“Visualize a cozy European style boutique indoor play place with two small rooms where the floors are covered 3 inches deep with over 2 tons of tumbled gemstones. They aren’t kidding. Earth’s Minerals Scratch Patch is an indoor rock paradise for kids!
Located in Seattle, Washington, this looks like great fun for [...]
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