gem cutter

[nuggethunter]

I live west of Atlanta and I am looking for to speak to anyone who is a gem cutter or knows one I have a few bags full of rubies, sapphires and garnets that I would like to get cut depending on the cost any info would appreciated.

 

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[Eu_citzen]

Well, I do cut gems. What do you want to know?

 

[nuggethunter]

What you would charge to cut per carat and maybe teach me how to cut gems

 

[gunsil]

Nugget, you should look for a gem and mineral club near you. EU is in Europe, be hard to get lessons from him although he does nice work. There are gem and mineral clubs all over and they would be your best bet for lessons and info. Very little rough sapphire and ruby is actually suitable for faceting and they would be able to tell you if what you have is good enough or not. A good faceting machine will set you back about $1500, and the best are even more, but often there are club members who have the equipment and could do it for you and/or give you lessons. It is very time consuming to facet stones, and most are done in the far east where labor is cheap. Try posting on gem forums (there are many) or just google gem and mineral clubs for your area. I cut and polish stones, but only cabochons so I can't help you personally with faceting which is what I think you want.

 

[DDancer]

Try googling lapidary clubs atlanta georgia

 

[Eu_citzen]

Gunsil has an excellent point. It'd be hard for me to teach you. I also charge an hourly basis, rather then on a carat basis.
I will PM you.

I can though recommend you to watch the series below; which is very helpful to any newbie.

 

[nuggethunter]

I would like to thank everybody that has give me all the information looks like I've got some good research tools to work with.

 

[gunsil]

Dealer Applications
Mineral & Fossil Clubs of Georgia
Mailing List

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Mineral & Fossil Clubs of Georgia

# There are clubs(organizations) that are dedicated to the hobby of rock collecting, and are open to anyboby who has an interest in rocks. If you want to collect your own fossils, or dig your own minerals and gems, then these clubs are for you. These are organized clubs with contacts and insurance programs that conduct regular collecting field trips into quarries and private properties that would not grant you access as an individual. They also have programs to teach you how to cut your own stones and make your own jewelry pieces. These clubs are family friendly and offer great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, and make many new friends who share your interests. Contact one today and start having fun!

Atlanta - GA Mineral Society
The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc.

Marietta GA, Cobb County Gem and Mineral Society Inc.
Cobb County Gem & Mineral Soceity Marietta Georgia

Mid GA Gem & Mineral Society
Middle Georgia Gem and Mineral Society | Education, Collection, Preservation of the Earth
[email protected]

Here's a couple of clubs to contact.

 

[hvacker]

gunsil mentioned gem clubs. Here in NM the Natural History Museum has made their lap equipment available for members with almost free lessons (like a 5$ signup). My wife signed up and begins tomorrow. First project is cabbing some candy ryolite.

 

[JLeonhardy]

I've seen some sapphires this company has worked over and I was impressed. Generally around $2 a carat finished weight. Most professional cutters in the US that I've talked to range from $15 to $30 a carat finished weight. If you ask, they'll cab whatever they deem un-cuttable. I'm working up a package of sunstones for them now.

 

[JLeonhardy]

Oops, here's the link:
Lambert Industries Best Gem Cutting, Gemstone Faceting, Diamond Cuts