Seattle Fac-Ette for Sale

The Columbia Willamette Faceters’ Guild has a Seattle Fac-Ette for sale (SOLD). This machine is in excellent condition, having been recently refurbished by Bob Grove.

This package deal includes three used laps (180, 600 and 1200 grit) and an acrylic master lap. Also included are a transfer jig, target dop, 45 degree table dop and about a dozen Fac-Ette dops in a wooden dop block.

The price is $1,200. If interested contact Haden Olson, our property manager at 503 631 3132. Haden can bring the machine to a meeting or arrange for you to take a look.

Related posts:

1. How to Build Faceting Machine

GemCad Software

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.” Note, it will also run on a Mac using Parallels or other software enabling you to run Windows software.

Strickland goes on to say, “GemCad simulates a faceting machine and shows you accurate 3-D views of the stone. GemCad understands symmetry, so you typically have to ‘cut’ only a fraction of the facets to get the full design. GemCad can follow paths of light rays through the stone to allow you to optimize a design to minimize light loss. The end product is an accurate faceting diagram that shows several views of the stone with accurate angles, indexes and dimensions. At Gemcad.com you’ll also find links to the Datavue 2 database of faceting designs.

The DOS versions of GemCad and GemRay software and documentation are now free. So if you’ve got an older Windows machine, grab a copy and get designing!

Gemology Tools is a complete gemology software reference. They say, “If you do jewelry appraisals, work with gemstones in any fashion or just love gems then Gemology Tools Professional is a must have. Time is money and Gemology Tools Professional saves you time. Visit Gemology Tools for more info.

DiamCalc is another program that displays a simulation of a cut stone. It is used by diamond cutters and sellers because no photograph can show the beauty of a diamond. They also have the free GemAdviser 2.0, a read-only software allowing you to view 3D models of diamonds and gems in the *.GEM format created in DiamCalc and Helium Polish. (Does anyone know whether it would also be able to read files in the .gem format created in GemCad? If anyone knows the answer, please let us know so we can correct or append this post). The GemAdviser allows one to evaluate diamond (and other gem material’s) light return and leakage.

DiamCalc Software

Related posts:

1. Identifying Gem Materials
2. Faceting Design Contest

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?

Related posts:

1. Where to Learn Gemology

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 for it.

Have you tried building your own faceting machine? Tell us about it? Drop a line or give us a comment below. We’d love to hear your experiences.

Related posts:

1. Gemstone Designs April Facets

Learning to Identify Gemstone Material

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.

A great resource is software called “Gemology Tools.” Read the explanation from The International Gem Society on how Gemology Tools is used to quickly help identify material.

Gemology Tools Software

Steps in Identifying Gem Material

1. Clean the Gem (always clean your gems, fingers are icky and have tons of gunk even if you can’t see it)
2. Examine with Loupe (the naked eye is rarely going to see as well as you will with a magnified loupe)
3. Microscope examination. Don’t have a microscope? The club has one available for members to use just ask Cora, our Librarian.
4. Check for color change (do this by looking at the stone through different lighting, i.e. outdoors vs indoors vs. incandescent, etc.)
5. Refractive Index (another tool, the refractometer is used here, and yes the club has one!)
6. Polariscope Testing (yup, we have one of these too, clubs are great, eh?)
7. Search the Gemology Tools database.

This may seem complex but as shown in the article linked above, it usually takes less than 10 minutes start to finish.

Related posts:

1. Software for Faceters
2. Faceting Design Contest

Nov 3, 2009, 7:30 PM at OMSI the CWFG’s meeting features a presentation on making your own Polariscope. I tracked down a few online tutorials to supplement.

• YourGemologist.com shows how to make a polariscope from Sunglasses
• Charles Lewton-Brain 1997 wrote a nice tutorial on building a polariscope
• The Gemology Project has an extensive write-up on Polariscopes
• John Baily sent a link to Polarization.com where you can buy polarizing film by the foot! Awesome resource
• Polar Shop another place to buy polarizing film by the foot who knew?
• Another great resource, kid’s science sites! Check out SciToys.com and their tutorial on Light & Optics
• How to Make Polariscope at Gem  Lab Tools
• Here are instructions on building a polariscope for use with glass but it’s the same principal for looking at gemstones and very well done

Have more resources? Let us know in the comments below and have fun building that Polariscope. Next … how to use it

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