Water of Ayr Stone

Jewelry Discussion
1

Richard: Would you please tell me what “water of Ayr Stone” is
Thanks Bob Goll

2 
Richard:  Would you please tell me what "water of Ayr Stone"  is
Thanks Bob Goll

A Water of Ayr, or Tam’o Shanter, or Scotch stone is a friable
pumice stone that wears very quickly while it is being used. I
use them for smoothing recesses and flats, there’s almost nothing
else that works. Stoning is a practice of mold makers and
engravers, and unfortunately is largely unknown by jewelers
today…

Jeffrey

3

GR> Richard: Would you please tell me what “water of Ayr Stone” is
GR> Thanks Bob Goll

G’day Bob: thought that I might jump in here as I have a piece
in my hand right now! It is a grey, fairly soft stone
containing a homeogenous mix of small but discrete darker
particles. It is also called Tam O’ Shanter stone and seems to
have been mined in Scotland before 1885, by a small company. It
was extensively used by professional jewellers to gently abrade
sterling to clean it up before polishing and to remove fire
stain. Many of the well-known books on the making of jewellery
mention it, recommending it for that purpose.

As I said, I have a piece and have used it, moistening it with
water and gently rubbing it aginst sterling work, and it does
indeed help remove fire stain. But so does other abrasives,
particularly wet-or-dry papers glued to a wood stick or lolly
stick, and it doesn’t work any better than wet 400 followed by
600 grit paper in my opinion. Some jeweller’s supply houses
still stock it. Helpful? Cheers,

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4

It is impossible to find here in the States-- It was
recommended by one of our workshop people and everyone in the
workshop tried to find some. We were told that the factory that
made it in Scottland had burned down and none was being made. If
you have a new supplier - I would love to know about it.

Joan

5

One advantage of using the water of Ayr Stone is that the end
can be shaped to get into those areas that we all swear we will
never again design into a peice of jewelry. Using the paper
glued or wrapped around or to a stick does not give a sharp edge
and besides, the edges fray.Does anyone still know of any
American sources? Marilyn Smith

6

I’ve tried to order Scotch stone from Alpha and was told its not
being produced anymore, the local supply place here has been
trying for two years to get some no luck. Let me know if anyone
finds a source…Dave

Art Jewelry for Conscious People
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