When you first start faceting, here are some accessories that you will need.  (Note:  If you are cutting in the workshop we have most of these accessories).

• A dop wax of high tenacity and high melting point (I prefer black)
• Alcohol to aid in removing dop wax and cleaning the gem
• An alcohol burner or some type of small torch or Bunsen burner as a heat source for melting the dop wax
• A magnifying device, such as those worn over the head
• A small pen knife
• A small note pad and pencil for notes during the cutting process
• Wiping cloths or napkins for cleaning the gem as you cut
• Gem or diamond tongs for handling finished gem

By Dave Butler, reprinted with permission from the January 2011 Cobb-L-Stone Newsletter.

Make sure your girdle is even.

By Anne Bair, reprinted with permission from the January 2011 Cobb-L-Stone Newsletter.

If your slab has fractures, don't mess around trying to avoid them. Just slap them gingerly against a cement floor and they will break along the fracture lines. It is going to break anyway, no matter how careful you are. Work with what is left. It will save your time and sanity.

By Anne Bair, reprinted by permission from the December 2010 Cobb-L-Stones Newsletter.

Things to remember when first starting to facet. Select a stone that has no seams, cracks or flaws. Check the stone for inclusions, bubbles or feathers (a good way to check is to submerge in olive oil and look at the stone thru a light). Attach the stone to a dop that is made for your facet machine (more on how to dop latter). When you are first starting to pick your design keep it simple. Always start with the pavilion followed by the girdle (for size) and then the crown.

By Dave Butler, reprinted with permission from the December 2010 Cobb-L-Stones Newsletter.

Photos from the Annual Member Christmas dinner held December 14th at 7 pm at the East Cobb Government Center. 

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Mineral ID Kits are now available to be checked out at the monthly meeting by members.  See Dion Stewart at the meeting. 

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