Gem cutting tutorial: Imperial Topaz a step-by step guide

A complete guide on gem cuting. All steps and description of gem faceting's procedure.
The video shows how the gems are faceted from rough to finish product.
Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER
The techniques described in this video are only educative.
I recommend the use of appropriate protective devices and a wise and careful attitude thorughout the procedures.
I'll not be liable for any physical injury or property damages induced by any accidents may occur during the procedures showed in this video or wrong applications thereof.
Follow the instructions and technical suggestions at your own risk.

[@martinpetersen1725]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I haven't faceted for a few years. Today I'm off to the gem club to re-educate myself as I get ready for the next stage of my life .

[@sutra1976]

I'm happy you liked my video. There is plenty more in my channel about gem cutting. Enjoy! I'm at disposal for any question you may have. Thank you for commenting and God bless.

[@debbieaubeckh]

Love your work. It is a gift. And the glory is His. Keep on!

[@sutra1976]

Amen

[@theresa42213]

Ah yes! l'm _glad_ for you that you chose to DO SOMETHING with the creativity the LORD blessed you with! l squandered my many talents, because l was (and still kind of am) LAZY, and wanted 'instant gratification as a younger person! There are _so many_ consequences of a wasted youth, but l still have time to keep repenting, and learning where HE wants me to be! Merciful is the Lord! lt will be lovely to be in heaven, doing HIS will, and meeting brothers, and sisters like you! Thank You for this video! lt must be way more rewarding cutting these gems than it is to buy them! May the LORD bless You, and Keep you! :)

[@renorock3411]

Just amazing ! You did all that while holding a camera in one hand. You are fantastic. Thank you for letting me watch the magic happen.

[@sutra1976]

Thank you for your kindness. No magic there, only hand in hands with God 😉

[@renorock3411]

Amen.

[@joshlittle40]

Go pro?

[@sutra1976]

Live well nope... normal old videocamera and one hand at the time...😊

[@robjasmin3197]

your videos make me weep, I miss faceting so much. have 12 years of experience but my eyes finally developed cataracts and had to have implants (killed my near sight) sigh! keep up the good work!

[@alexmaximas384]

Really love your gem cutting videos. Thanks for sharing us.

[@ronnalscammahorn8002]

🕊️ 💎 Indeed brother , to God be the glory . Exilent work Sir. , enjoyed watching and listening to the music 🎶

[@ssghamdi2075]

I lived the moment and it was I who made it. Very very cool. Thank you

[@GemWorks]

Very nice! Thanks for the efforts to create this detailed video!

[@neptuned2204]

Beautiful tutorial, thank you for sharing, you gave a beautiful life to the gem.

[@vincesimmons621]

Hi Angelo. I really like how you show all the machine settings. I have an Imahashi faceting machine from Japan. Great work, Thanks, Vince

[@BarefootViking]

Great video , perfect tutorial everything was on display and easy to learn the beginning. Thank you very much

[@samsyes5605]

Lots of hard work is needed.well done

[@scott27288]

Great video. I especially like that you give credit where credit is due. God bless you.

[@sutra1976]

Scott H. One must be square😉 thanks for the message angel and God bless you too😊

[@MrQuadragon]

I personally love the how you facet stones in your own way. There are no rules in faceting, just different methods!

[@NVK80]

The best video! Thank you!

[@whpkld]

Good video - thank you so much and a beautiful gem.

[@sutra1976]

Hi there, sorry reviewing the comments with the cellphone I accidentally removed your last one. Could you please re post it so that I can answer to it? Thanks

[@juliesczesny90]

You get SUPER cred, by your alignments!! I've forgotten some, while my 8" lap has sat.

[@joykuwar5474]

Nice work very detailed video step by step guide loved it

[@rajputofmaharashtra782]

Hard work given best surprise

[@barisitz]

1st time on your channel. So interesting as a lifelong rock hound! Subscribing now. Great results on that stone. Gotta go back in your other videos😃

[@sutra1976]

Jen Barisitz you are welcome!

[@batumuliajogja]

The cutting is very good and precise! great video!

[@martinpetersen1725]

I have never seen that method of removing air bubbles from wax during the dopping process. I will do the same from this day forward. Thank you

[@badsantaclaus4522]

Beautiful job Thanks for sharing

[@sutra1976]

Thank you

[@Tomas-]

Angelo, Felicitaciones, Tomas Balastegui, Argentina.

[@jonyjbara3763]

Wonderful work and fantastic room Astaz

[@sutra1976]

Thanks, you are very kind!

[@tanzaniteblueeye4805]

very beautiful stone.

[@sutra1976]

thanks!

[@jamiconroy7841]

Just what I was looking for.... Thank You !!

[@rampadachowdhury2254]

Beautiful job, mind blowing Thanks a lot...

[@sutra1976]

Rampada Chowdhury thank you very much. I’m glad you liked the video

[@Rich-yj4ub]

That is beautiful Sutra. Dam good job.

[@coldshot5555]

I taught myself how to free hand facet it's great fun, and rewarding too...I only do Opal anymore... I did Amethyst in the past...

[@kathryncastanares525]

You are a true artist. I love everything you post. Question, is there any advice you can give to someone who doesn't own a lap and just wants to facet as a hobby? I usually use my regular rotary tool to cab opals and to polish other crystals I find or have been given. I have a beautiful little handful of rough emerald and a few tanzinite I would love to cut one day. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful talents and wisdom!

[@sutra1976]

EASYGAMER262 Roblox boy thank you very much for the appreciation, I really appreciate it. 🙃 as long as you keep your stones cooled and lubed (I prefer water)... you should be able to explore and develop your own cutting method. Un aided by a means to hold the stone firmly however, I would bow down to you if you find a way to keep it accurate free-handed. Happy experimenting! Cheers!

[@taradead]

very interesting...watched the whole thing

[@milansulc6871]

Thanks for sharing your work. Nice video and stone. 👍😀

[@ElGatoLoco698]

I've always wanted to try my hand at gem cutting.

[@aaaha57]

Thank you so much for the sharing of art

[@freedok]

Excellent tutorial!

[@sutra1976]

Thanks

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

That was a first for me...Thank you

[@lelloucherene]

Great lesson! Thank you.

[@KJ-pe8kg]

Thank you for the video.

[@babanravi]

Faceting is superb.One thing if u can add from your side it will be of get help...Can u also reveal how diamond tester works on them(if u have one) for each stone u facet, before & after faceting, that will help us a lot.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Cutters don’t use diamond testers.

[@babanravi]

Any lap grit info

[@minecraftmom5529]

Beautiful job God bless you

[@iantheorem]

Amazing! Love it

[@aleembuscadoscristais]

Very good, friend

[@mattsmith1568]

Wow! That is so awesome!! How much would it be to have someone your skill level to cut a stone or stones? I recently found a large number of garnets and I would love to see someone with talent like yourself make them look awesome. How do you know who is talented and trustworthy?

[@sutra1976]

Matt Smith hey there thanks for commenting, you are very kind. I don’t know how to find what you are looking for in your area, usually good people will stand out the crowd somehow. Your best strategy would be to visit a couple of goldsmiths in your area and ask them that question. Otherwise you can always send them to me and I’ll gladly cut them for you.

[@mattsmith1568]

Angelo1976 I will definitely try going to the goldsmith and seeing what they say. I would absolutely love to have you cut some! I have always collected rocks, but this is my first time finding something that could be gem quality and a big garnet with a fancy cut would definitely make a great addition to the collection. My email address is [e-mail]. I appreciate your response and I look forward to hearing from you

[@sutra1976]

Matt Smith ok noted. I’ll contact you soon

[@mrchata1969]

Buen video , donde compraste o dónde venden estas máquinas? Y dónde te enseñan esté ofició?

[@sutra1976]

mrchata1969 facetron.com

[@felixmendoza4846]

i get in love with it beautiful stone great job

[@habibsepisode9147]

Amazing thanks for sharing

[@MrAble2Learn1]

WOW LOVE IT great viddy

[@brycesaywell5675]

Stunning

[@TheShawnymaria]

Lol he's doing everything my instructor told us not to do! Don't lean the stone back on the tower rod because it's a good way to break it off the dop. Don't cut holding the bar, hold the stone to cut or you can knock you stone off the dop. Never touch the face of the cutting wheels, the oil and stuff on your fingers and hands can pit it. We have to clean the rubber catch basket every day. But hay whatever works for you I guess, to each his own. Not criticising just observing. Nice stone by the way.

[@godesskali9095]

WOW👍💖thanks for sharing.

[@noelsisasso9989]

muito lindo mesmo!

[@dalgron]

So beautiful.. Alhamdulillah!

[@premiumgold6802]

Beautiful.

[@jacobleedowney]

Great shot! @17:00

[@faycalsamir3815]

C'est formidable travaille

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Nice job 🤗

[@ELUSsSIVE]

nice work, I am just wondering when doing the table how do you know when you have hit the exact 90 deg. angle with the grinding stone do you utilize the indicator for this instance as well or just by eye. thanks for the post and tutorial. great work.

[@sutra1976]

Edward AeroWest Eng. thanks for commenting. As for any other facet, I usually reach close to the zero of the indicator and perfection it by eye

[@eriktroy3539]

What is this machine called and how much does it run? Please and thank you for taking your time to post these videos

[@clintonjones6327]

Excellent work I wish I had the money to set up like you as I've dreamt of doing this for years but looks expensive and very tricky. Did you teach yourself or take classes to learn your amazing skill.

[@sutra1976]

Hi there! I've been taught accidentally in my garage about 20 years ago. I've been next to a Canadian gem cutter for a week and there I've been taught how to cut round cuta with the Facetron. the rest is self taught because of my passion for this kind of work. Learnig the faceting is not that complex and it's very fast.

[@sutra1976]

but the most important lesson is: one never ends learning.

[@fredmoor5099]

sutra1976 .... You need to learn to facet the girdle facets. It's the 21st century now. They can be tricky, but you'll be achieving more perfection. Cheers.

[@sutra1976]

Hi barb thanks for your comment! What do you mean? I Always facet the girdle as part of the cutting...you can see it at 08:49 in this video....unless you refer to something I dont know about or I overlooked...;-)

[@jeffreysd9166]

I think she meant you freehanded the girdlefacets, also when polishing. But nevertheless impressive work! Thanks for sharing Sir!

[@MrBdavitt187]

What type brand and model is your faceting machine? Aslo what machine do you suggest for cutting raw emeralds? Your video has inspired me to start and learn to facet mylsef, i have many gems.

[@sutra1976]

brian davitt hi there! Thanks for commenting. My machine is a Facetron and it’s very easy to learn. It’s ok accuracy allows top quality faceting.

[@fserrato]

Fabulous job! I have a question, what kind of material is your lap, and which polishing compound? Thanks and congratulations!

[@juanmanuelorjuela7556]

Estoy intersada en comoprar el facetron donde lo puedo consguir .en que pais lo tienen disponible quisiera que me syudara con el contacto mil gracias

[@agentcovert]

Great how to video..like to see more.. That being said please take a few minutes to clean up the space within camera zone..it's very distracting to see such a FILTHY work area..plus it will prevent contamination ,come time for polishing..Thank you for another great video..

[@sutra1976]

Hi Tim. Thanks for commenting. Never had any problems with contamination...yeah, I can't manage to keep it clean....lol

[@jonathanmorand8893]

your mastery of gem cutting inspires me. So much in fact that I now am looking forward to purchase all the equipment needed and do it the right way instead of just cabbing stones. Do you have any suggestions regarding equipment or some general advice before I jump off into the almost unknown ?

[@sutra1976]

Hi there, to inspire someone else it's an honor. Thank you for your kind comment. I'd suggest you to research as much as possible about gem faceting. I started with a Facetron and I must say it's a very user friendly machine and comes with instructions on how ro use it. Learning alone could be a little tough sometimes bit you can get lots of help online and I'll be glad to help too, as I'm trying to do through my videos. Do you want me to direct you to trusted suppliers?

[@chumleyk]

No mention of topaz prone to cleaving along the C axis?

[@Howard_R]

Great video! Thanks! Where can one purchase a similar set up?

[@sutra1976]

Hi there, thanks for commenting. You can buy a Facetron faceting machine from the manufacturer Jarvi Tools. The concave machine from Polymetric and the other various equipment from cyberrockhound or arrowhead lapidary supply. You can google these names and access their websites. They are trustworthy.

[@antoniovelazquez6496]

ola me gustaria saver como se llama el pegamento que usas para pegar la gema en el palito yo vivo en mexico donde lo conpro gracias

[@sutra1976]

Antonio Velazquez es una cera de alta temperatura

[@sutra1976]

Antonio Velazquez debe de buscarlo nel USA

[@sutra1976]

Antonio Velazquez esto es el sito para la machina : facetron.com/ Esto Es un para los accessorios: www.cyberrockhound.com/

[@antoniovelazquez6496]

muchas gracias por responder el mensage una pregunta mas cuanto bale la maquina parecida ala que tienes gracias

[@sutra1976]

@@antoniovelazquez6496 nueva 3500 US$

[@iankleinschmidt712]

I just don't get it. why all those diamond disks wobble like that, how do you know when to stop if that indicator is shaking like that... yet the stone looks awesome :)

[@sutra1976]

You are right. My actual output is not competition cutting but thanks to the experience, I can reach good results. The diamond disk I use are of the cheap end and not absolutely true and they cost a fraction of the high quality ones....(also a little wobbling anyhow) 😉

[@0FG0]

I'm curious, how do you get the height right? It seems to me that if the arm is not the exact-exact height on the base, it's going to be the wrong angle you got the lap with? As in if the arm is too high it won't hit it at all, and just a hair too low and it will be too steep? Plus you have to adjust it for every single new facet, there must be some trick?

[@sutra1976]

Morten Flecks hey there, thanks for commenting. Rising or lowering the head on the mast will cause the micrometer needle go over or below zero mark. At zero mark the angle set on the head is exact. Once set the depth of the first facet, all the others of the same group can be cut equally reaching zero mark. I hope i helped you in understanding better. 😉

[@0FG0]

@@sutra1976 Ah okay, thank you for that super fast answer :) zeroing the needle, is that done only in the beginning of the stone, or for every group of facets? It's a really fascinating process, I am blown away by the craftsmanship, I have huge respect for the amount of practice and work you put into this!

[@sutra1976]

Morten Flecks thanks! You are very kind. Yes, you zero the needle every group of facets

[@sahitwahyu]

how much does it cost for cutting like that, thanks 👍👍👍👍

[@sutra1976]

hi there, that size gemstone, from the rough I usually charge $40

[@dianovery]

Nice vidio. Tq

[@trongduongduong6298]

Beautiful

Linda pedra

[@shahabdaryai1311]

عالی بود ❤

[@stargirlI]

How long have you been doing this? Beautiful work btw!

[@sutra1976]

Madison M hey there, thanks for commenting. I cut since 2002

[@hillbillyhoe8169]

Very educational, but I can’t help but wonder how much this finished product would cost.

[@sutra1976]

Russ Henrie imperial topaz from $50/ct to $150/ct

[@hillbillyhoe8169]

Angelo1976 So I live in delta Utah and we have topaz out on our west mountains I wonder if it is the same as the topaz on the video

[@sutra1976]

Russ Henrie well, topaz is topaz... but this one came from Pakistan. 😉 I would love to go hunt for gems in your area...

[@bambangirawan6011]

Good vidio thanks for sharing

[@Venthorn]

I have a very stupid newbie question. It seems like the process of pushing down on the grinding wheel until you hit your stop angle will impart a very slight curve on the facet. Is this a problem? Or is that sort of thing well within tolerance (I mean, there's like a 2-degree wide window there where the needle bounces around zero).

[@sutra1976]

Morgon Kanter well, what you assume is true until you actually stop pressing at the desired angle, since the lap is flat. While cutting you can’t actually see that because the plane tangents are really close to each other. And it’s usually not a problem. It can be seen if you use laps that can bend slightly when you press the stone on them. So the ideal faceting is made with solid and flat laps.

[@alexnikoo244]

How to cut calibrated size stones ? I also found not convenient to cut at 90 degree when splashguard do not bend.

[@sutra1976]

To calibrate you must dop on different dops, as many stones as you can to work them together: while the cutting of the crown and pavillion can be slightly different on matching stones, the girdle must be exactly the same. Therefore, when cutting the girdle at 90^, every cut you do to the 1st stone, you must perform it on all the rest of the matching ones. Use the caliber continuosly. Cut at 90^ pushing down the splashguard with one finger or do a "saloon" like slit into the splashguard and protect the splashing with a piece of sponge....I personally like to use my finger, even if I've tried the "saloon" trick and promptly fixed it with silicon (as you can see in the video)....

[@ankosTsmexyTlover]

What tools and utensils would one need to cut a stone like this? Also where do you get the gem shape schematics?

[@sutra1976]

Thanks for asking. I've realized that the question deserves a video as answer. Stay tooned for my next video, soon.

[@ankosTsmexyTlover]

Thanks mate.

[@josecardoso7838]

friend where does this machine have to sell and how much does it cost

[@sutra1976]

José Cardoso thanks for commenting. Have a look at their website: facetron.com/facetron/

[@josecardoso7838]

@@sutra1976 thanks

[@antoniovelazquez6496]

donde puedo adquirir esa maquina que usas

[@sutra1976]

Antonio Velazquez hola es um Facetron prodotto in USA.

[@BenBSeattle]

what grit do you use?

[@sutra1976]

Ben B. Seattle the best procedure is 320, 600, 1200, 50000

[@binbin9]

thank you

[@koraytas5413]

Aga eline sağlık. Teşekkürler

[@brdmec134]

Inscrito top dos tops

[@jonyjbara3763]

where these machines are sold and the cheap price for sale .. I am jeweler more than 30 years and now I am interested in a machine because it is not expensive .. Thank you

[@sutra1976]

There is a facebook group for used lapidary equipment...have a look. But the cheaper you go the more frustrating the work will be. There are machines around that rely only on your eye to judge the depth of the facets, compelling the operator to continuously check symmetry....this is really time consuming effort and the results are often of poor quality.

[@Beedee277]

Hi Jonny, please contact me at [e-mail] Thanks, Jeanne

[@markcallaway561]

@@Beedee277 Can you provide any information about this equipment or any other. I currently live in Thailand and have a friend that cuts gems. The equipment he is using will not produce precision cuts. I think he could be a great cutter if he had better equipment. Im trying to find him something new or used do you have any suggestions. Thanks for your attention in this matter. PS if we can find him something to work with it will benefit everybody include the end user.

[@SV_Try_Magic]

holy fuck this video has more ads than primetime tv.

[@vectorv750]

What grid diamond polish are you using to do the final polish?

[@sutra1976]

I use 50k diamond powder and some cerium oxide together.

[@vectorv750]

@@sutra1976 Thank you very much for the quick respond I really appreciate it. By the way great job. Your skills are awesome.

[@aliciamarya3175]

obrigado muito bom

[@abdulfatirkhan6415]

hello angelo, can you please tell where can i buy the indexing machine that you were using in the video?

[@sutra1976]

Hi there thanks for commenting! The machine I use is a Facetron made in USA by Jarvi tools. The 96 index comes standard with the machine. You can bui it online by many sellers and maybe directly from the manufacturer.

[@moga-moga6987]

Review this machin part to part.. Please sir....

[@ninafranco]

Nice!!!!

[@saleofpreciousstones2642]

Hello dear Totti I hope you are fine How do I get this machine. Thank you

[@kurtschultz8199]

Pressing against the dop stick is a bad call - you should control the stone! Press the stone against the lap, don't press the dop stick. When you press against the dop stick, you create shear forces at the stone/wax interface that you can easily avoid.

[@sutra1976]

Unadvisable: the heat of the hand transferred through the stone, can easily soften the wax and cause misalignment, not to talk about accidental loss of grip especially on smaller pieces causing them to hit the lap.... Argh! The problem is a combination of pressure, vibrations and the drag of the grit on the lap. A good care will suffice.

[@kurtschultz8199]

@@sutra1976 That's why I've completely abandoned using dopping wax (at least for faceting - I'll dop with wax if I'm cabbing stones) I grip the stones with thumb and second finger; index finger provides slight pressure against the top of the stone and I hook my little finger under the dop stick when I can (like when the angles are set to 90.0) Even the Facetron manual says you are supposed to hold onto the stone...

[@sutra1976]

@@kurtschultz8199 for me old school works better and faster. 😉

[@kurtschultz8199]

@@sutra1976 It's only faster when it reduces your dopping time. That's an advantage you lose completely when the stone comes off the dop stick because the wax didn't hold.

[@juntoemisturado1]

😍

[@josevillalobos5373]

Ermosa creacion de piedra

[@asimiqbal2687]

What's price of this machine?