Beginner's Information - Learning to Facet

Watch lapidarist Jim Buday facet a step-cut Montana sapphire design. This version of the traditional cut produces a very bright...

https://vimeo.com/891998005?share=copy Check out the full-length video on the International Gem Society YouTube Channel. Jim Buday takes you step by step through...

https://vimeo.com/848434700?share=copy Check out the full-length video on the International Gem Society YouTube Channel. About Jim Buday Jim Buday was born and...

https://vimeo.com/839864900?share=copy Check out the full-length video on the International Gem Society YouTube Channel. About Jim Buday Born and raised in...

https://vimeo.com/video/861664423 Check out the full-length video on the International Gem Society YouTube Channel. About Jim Buday Born and raised in...

Cutting gem materials you've never worked before can be exciting but also frustrating. Some faceting advice can help you create...

What faceting equipment do novices need to learn to cut gems? Learn what faceting machines, laps, books, and supplies are...

Buying a faceting machine means making compromises between economy, looks, and technical features. Learn what questions to ask before you...

Experts might successfully cut gems crown first, but cutting pavilion first is usually the best and most practical method. Read...

A glossary of frequently encountered gemstone faceting terms for the student gemologist. Our list covers gemology, gem cutting, and equipment....

Novice gem faceters often have questions about dopping with wax. Learn what types of dopping wax to use and how...

Our gem cutting FAQ covers some common questions from novice faceters. Topics include how to get started, how to clean...

Fantasy gem designs combine elements from faceted and cabbed stones as well as artistic embellishments. Learn the basics of this...

What does it take to facet gems? Patience and HAI, locking the gem at the right height, angle, and index...

Compare the prices and philosophies of gem faceting classes from around the world. Learn if there’s a local club or...

If you're considering adding toxic and radioactive gems to your collection, be on the safe side. Learn the basics of...

Whether you’re a new or experienced gem cutter, brush up on safety procedures. Learn about lapidary health hazards and how...

Gem cutters can choose from many faceting styles. Learn about the most common custom cutting techniques and pick one that...

Can something akin to a slide rule help novice faceters today with transposing faceting angles from published gem designs? Check...

How can gem cutters predict the color that gem rough will likely show when cut? Learn how the simple white...

Natural and synthetic quartz rough are both inexpensive. Nevertheless, learn why novice faceters should practice with the natural material in...

How should novice faceters choose their first gemstones? Learn which gem rough materials combine cutting ease, low cost, good size,...

How do lapidaries decide what gemstone shape to cut? Learn how inclusions, rough, orientation, and other factors can influence that...

Gem cutters use the “length-to-width” or L/W ratio to determine how to cut rough gems. Learn how to choose gem...

Opals and pearls have special setting, cleaning, and storage needs. Our opal and pearl care guide will help you keep...

Part 6 of Trevor Hannam's “Faceting Made Easy” features gemstone design cuts, like the Champagne Glass, that novices can try...

In Part 5 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam gives novice faceters instructions for gemstone transferring and crown cutting a...

Part 4 of “Faceting Made Easy” covers pavilion cutting for a standard brilliant. Trevor Hannam discusses main and girdle facet...

In Part 3 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers how to select gem rough as well as dopping and...

What equipment do novice gem cutters need? In Part 2 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers faceting machines, their...

In Part 1 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam reviews gemstone properties in his introduction to faceting and learning to...

A color wheel and mixing chart can help novice gem cutters evaluate how well colors will mix in a finished...

We make recommendations about the best books to buy and read when getting started in faceting.

"Just ask Jeff" gives tips on choosing the right Faceting Machine. Several discounter's will sell anything that they can and...

Get the insight of Jeff on all your questions and concerns about Gemstones. "Just ask Jeff" tackles faceting machine and...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are...

Buying a used faceting machine is a lot like buying a used car, you can get a good one but...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See some books about stones...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff.See what his answers are to...

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a man made material and comes from all over the world. There are several methods of...

Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answer to Questions you need...

One serious pitfall for the novice is the quality of advice they get in choosing what faceting machine to buy....

Gemstones fascinate. Everyone loves them, but few can craft them. Knowing tips and the equipment can help novices learn how...

A full and complete history of the lapidary arts, from 70,000 BC to present day. The origins of faceting, bruting,...

A resource for Gem cutting Information, this is a comprehensive repository of information and assistance intended to advance and enhance...