Set stones in magnetic tumbler

Jewelry Discussion
1

I recently purchased a Mini Best Built™ Magnetic Tumbler (which I
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE) with .3mm x 5.0mm pins. So far, I have been using
the tumbler on fabricated settings, and I set the stones after the
tumbling is complete. I’m curious about how hard a stone must be to
survive a trip through this tumbler.

Thanks in advance,
Jamie

2 
I'm curious about how hard a stone must be to survive a trip
through this tumbler.

Harder than steel (the pins). a warning though, if you put more than
one stone set piece in at the same time, then stones may be abrading
against other stones. In general, though, unlike traditional rotary
tumblers, and even some vibratory ones, the mag finishers are pretty
gentle, not delivering impacts to stones. So unless there’s
something in there that could scratch the stones, or if the settings
are so fragile that the pins could wedge in and somehow loosen stones
(I’ve not had this happen, but can imagine how it might…) you
should be fine. Try a test piece to be sure.

Peter

3

I wouldn’t try that…on any stone…

4

Hi Jamie,

I'm curious about how hard a stone must be to survive a trip
through this tumbler.

I have friends who put tape over the stone to protect it in the
tumbler-- I’d suggest duct tape–it’s tough, and it sticks well.

Cynthia Eid

5

I’ve been surprised that I’ve never had a stone damaged by my
magnetic tumbler. I try not to be foolish (but unfortunately I
sometimes am anyway). I’ve had emeralds, citrine, amethyst, garnet,
aquamarine… all in the tumbler on occasion and everything has
survived unscathed. I’ve never put in any high value stones, only
those that I could replace if disaster (or stupidity) struck. Never
would try opal, coral, turquoise…anything soft, treated or
inlayed. If I’m worried I turn the speed down and only spin it for 10
minutes. If I’m really worried I don’t tumble it.

Mark