Overview Gemological Equipment

January 14, 2010 Gemology

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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Where to Learn Gemology

January 14, 2010 Gemology

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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How to Build Faceting Machine

January 14, 2010 Tools - Equipment

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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Free Gemology Course

January 14, 2010 Gemology

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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Refractol to Identify Flaws & Color Zoning

January 13, 2010 Evaluate Rough

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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Scratch Patch

January 13, 2010 Fun

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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Puzzle, Faceting Laps

January 6, 2010 Fun

Fun game for gemstone faceters, crossword puzzle about faceting laps.

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Identifying Gem Materials

October 30, 2009 Tools - Equipment

You don’t need a gemology degree to facet gemstones but the more knowledge you have the easier it gets. It’s very important to know what material you are working with before you begin faceting as that helps in determining the optimal way to cut and polish the stone.

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How to Photograph Gemstones

October 22, 2009 Gem Photography

Want to Photograph Gemstones? Who doesn’t, eh? Some say it’s difficult, others just do it. Here are several tutorials and articles on taking pictures of gemstones, jewelry and other reflective items.

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How to Make Polariscope

October 21, 2009 How To

Nov 2009 at OMSI the CWFG’s meeting features a presentation on making your own Polariscope. We tracked down a few online tutorials to supplement and will update after the meeting with features from the presentation. Also how to make a polariscope from Sunglasses.

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