[Looking4] Large semiprecious gem cutter

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello all,

We are looking for large, high quality, faceted semiprecious gemstone
cabochons. These would include labradorite, turquoise, rock crystal,
etc. Tuscon is coming up and we want to make the most of our visit.
Can anyone recommend a company they are happy with?

Thanks in advance
Sara

2

Hi Sara,

I’m confused. What are you looking for, cabs or faceted stones? They
are 2 different things.

Dave

3

Sorry,

I need to clarify what we are looking for. I am looking for larger
cabochons with a faceted top. I think they call it a rose cut in a
diamond. I am looking for a company that can custom cut me identical
sized stones for castings. Hope this clears thing up.

Thanks,
Sara

4 
I'm confused. What are you looking for, cabs or faceted stones?
They are 2 different things.

Actually, there’s something in between. Flat-bottom cabs can have
faceted tops. It adds interest and perhaps some sparkle. On the
other side of the coin, there are cuts which use a faceted pavilion
and a cab-like smooth crown. In transparent material, of course.

Al Balmer
Sun City, AZ

5 
there are cuts which use a faceted pavilion and a cab-like smooth
crown. In transparent material, of course."

This cut is known as a ‘buff cut’.

KPK

6

You may have a difficult time locating a supplier for such a thing
as faceted cabs. It’s not a popular thing to do. I suspect there was
a company or two worldwide that sold a bunch of closeouts to JTV a
few years back. I have no real knowledge of any such company. Still,
it seems like an easy product to automate. Not sure if there is
enough demand. Good luck with your search.

TL Goodwin
Lapidary/Goldsmith
http://thepacifikimagestore.com

7

there are cuts which use a faceted pavilion and a cab-like smooth
crown. In transparent material, of course."

This cut is known as a 'buff cut'.

“Buff top”, usually. Buff cut seems to be used for barbers who wear
only high heels. [G]

Al Balmer
Sun City, AZ

8

Hi Sara, I think I know what you are asking for… and next time, a
drawing or a photo is better than a thousand words. How large of
stone you are talking about? Over 100 carats?

Tom
www.elegantcutting.com

9

If I were faced with the problem, what I’d try is this:

Make it yourself with a Graves Preformer and a custom preforming cam.
Custom cams can easily be machined for must shapes of desired cuts.
All you need is a tame machinist to do it for you. Myself, I’m not a
professionally trained machinist, but at least I’m tame and might be
interested in making a cam just for the challenge of it.

Andrew jonathan Fine