My latest projects

[Lady_Disdain]

I have been a busy PSers these last days (although not posting much - sorry!)

I couldn''t resist this piece of tourmaline rough, from a vendor I trust (and others I trust recommend). It is huge (74cts) and I hope to be able to get a nice bicolour from it (pink and blue, my favourite colour combination), as well as one or two smaller gems. I am not sure how clean they will turn out, but I decided to take a gamble. It is from the Steward Mine, in Pala. It is on its way to Bob Kast, for a good cut.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Another view.

The vendor mentions that one side isn''t as clean, but should yield a nice cat''s eye. Yumm!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Since I was looking at rough, I decided to risk this piece of moonstone as well. It was sold as facet grade, but I plan on cabbing it, for a very fine cab. Either a nice pair for earrings or pendant.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

And, finally, a nice piece of hackmanite, which should yield a faceted stone and a cab. I love hackmanite and I wanted a larger one ever since I got my tiny stone.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

And the pale colour as well. It is 6cts.

I am not sure what I am getting myself into or if any of these will cut good stones, but I am having a great time! I can''t wait for these to get to Bob and to hear his opinion of them.

 

[ma re]

Those are some really nice pieces, especially the moonstone! Looking forward to seeing end results.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Glad to hear you say so, Ma Re. I confess I am wondering if I got in over my head on these. After all, the seller could have had them cut just as easily as I and sold them for a better profit.

Fingers crossed!

 

[chrono]

Very interesting pieces of rough, Lady D. I agree that I’d rather cab the moonstone even if it is facetable. I think it’s going to turn out great. As for the hackmanite and bi-colour tourmaline, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Bob will be able to work his magic on them.

 

[cellentani]

I will be following this with great interest! Bob cut my JXR amethyst rough, and I was pretty pleased. Do you have any idea what shapes you''d like to have?

 

[Stone Hunter]

Those look really cool!! Congrats!!

When I read your first sentance I thought you''d take up gemstone cutting!! And in a way I guess you have.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Date: 12/2/2009 2:27:00 PM
Author: Stone Hunter
Those look really cool!! Congrats!!

When I read your first sentance I thought you''d take up gemstone cutting!! And in a way I guess you have.

Perhaps some day... Right now, I need to master metal first

I think cutting must be fascinating.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Date: 12/1/2009 6:53:00 PM
Author: cellentani
I will be following this with great interest! Bob cut my JXR amethyst rough, and I was pretty pleased. Do you have any idea what shapes you''d like to have?

I am hoping for an emerald cut on the tourmaline, showing both colours and an oval pink cat''s eye. For the hackmanite, whatever maximizes the yield on the facetable part - a good faceted hackmanite is hard to find!

 

[T L]

The moonstone looks glowy!! I''m hoping Bob can work his magic on your stones. It''s exciting to have your own piece of rough worked on. I''m still trying to find someone to cut my Afghan tourmaline (you have to be very careful cutting those stones apparently).

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I have seen photos of your stone and I can understand why you are worried.

I know that Dan Stair and Tony (TheGemDoctor) also work with client rough.