The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting is a collection of classic gemstone designs spanning 500 years. The designs are presented with full color photos, historical information, cutting advice, and design information. These are industry standard designs for the gem and jewelry trade for all the major gemstone cutting centers around the world. This collection marks the first time the designs have been compiled for public consumption. This volume will prove useful to both gemcutters who want to cut these essential designs and to jewelers who would like a visual aid to present different gemstone styles to their customers. Aside from the designs, the introductory chapters of the book contain invaluable information about gemstone design, optics, gem physics, modifying designs, pairing rough gems with an appropriate design, and more.

Introductory text for beginning faceters. Learn the history, the terminology, the machines available, the parts of the machines and how to use them and learn to facet your first stone.

Amateur faceter Tom Herbst lays out the steps necessary to transform a shapeless lump of rock into a glittering jewel that is unique and valuable. Along the way, he explains not only the "how" but also the "why," and provides helpful tips in dealing with many of the pitfalls that confront the beginning gem cutter.

Liza Urla is the author of the jewelry blog, Gemologue https://gemologue.com/tag/jewelry-blog

Prospecting and collecting trips; Tools and how to use them; Rock classes and how to recognize them; How mineral deposits form; Field features of mineral deposits; Collecting practices; Preparation of specimens; Storage and exhibit; Marketing mineral specimens and gemstones.

A complete handbook of common materials used in lapidary arts, lavishly illustrated with full-colour photographs.

This antiquarian book contains a detailed and practical guide to gem cutting as a hobby, with information on cabochons, faceting, spheres, tumbling, special techniques, and more. An exhaustive manual with complete instructions for tool use and all the elementary information a prospective lapidary might need to know, this book constitutes a must-read for anyone looking to begin a hobby in gem cutting. The chapters of this book include: “Gem Cutting as a Hobby”, “Type of Equipment”, “Four Operations”, “Sawing”, “Mud Sawing”, “Diamond Blade Saws”, “Sawing Coolants Water Versus Kerosene”, “Diamond Saw Trouble”, “Power Feed Saws”, “Sawing Large Specimens”, etcetera. This vintage text is being republished now in an affordable, modern, high quality edition - complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on gemmology.