Hi Russell and everyone:
I am happy to see (Australian) Russell’s interest in Jamb Peg
machines re-kindled after reading my Faceting History book. I too
would like to get my hands on an early Jamb Peg machine. There have
been many improved and modernized models manufactured from time to
time through the years, but history shows that the new models were
not heavily adopted for use. The use of them was even considered
un-necessary and cheating by some people.
Even with the newer improved models included, it would be fun to see
some faceters become efficient in using the machines, and then have
a gentlemanly competition carried out to see how each of the Jamb
Peg cutters results would compare. I am not talking for a IFC type
of competition with rules like the Visual Effect crap, and things
like that. It could just be a competition of comparison, as to how
well each faceter did in cutting the same species of material and
the same cut design pattern. The awards could be set by judges that
are only stating their opinion on how well the faceter did with the
Jamb Peg type of equipment he or she used. A late model Jamb Peg
machines use would call for a much finer job of flat and properly
placed facets. A faceter using an early model Jamb Peg machine might
win the first place because he or she ended up with a very fine
faceted stone considering what there was to work with. I know there
are lots of you out there who do not give a darn about competition
cutting. If you are one of those, just smile and go on doing your
thing.
Another thought, if you read my book, you will see a room full of
young Thai cutters using the old style Jamb Pegs. I am sure there
are lots of those machines still in Bangkok, and Sri Lanka as well
as elsewhere, Brazil, etc. I have no sources for locating those old
machines, but if you have influence with the sources that be in the
Native Cutting areas of the world, please see if you can help to
make the old equipment available for a faceting museum. If there are
lots of the Jamb Pegs available, maybe we could find buyers of those
that are for sale.
Now, I do not want to see a poorly made imitation of an old Jamb Peg
machine suddenly to appear in quantity from China. That will be junk
and remain junk, for the short time it will last. My opinion, but it
is from experience in buying what I see everywhere in the stores of
Southern California.
I agree with Russell when he wrote, “I don’t believe that some
things should disappear simply because they are obsolete.” This is
one Australian I like.
Glenn Klein, G.G.
Lake Forest CA USA
Faceting History: Cutting
Diamonds & Colored Stones., book