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Jewelry School
Gemstone Cutting - Gemology - Goldsmithing
Professional Classes
Since 1996
1 to 4 week program
Each day in class you will cut one gemstone and is your stone to keep
The Instructor's Credentials
Gemcutter since 1989
Gemologist
Gemology Institute of America, 1996
Goldsmith
Jewelry Repair... Jewelry Design Institute, 1995
Stone Setting... Stewart's International School for Jewelers, 2000
(For more information, see ABOUT US)
These classes are designed to provide you with the knowledge & skills necessary for advanced cutting
You will gain the background information & skills necessary to select gemstone rough
Learn sources for high quality gemstone rough from national & international dealers
You will learn stone identification & pricing
You will learn wax carving & to set your loose stones into jewelry for sales
The environment is multi-disciplinary which provides a deeper understanding of the jewelry industry
One Lap Polish
Polishing Made Easy - I created a polish lap that will polish all hardness of gemstones quickly. There is no charging or
maintenance, it’s ready to use. If you ask experienced cutters what laps are used in polishing, you will get a grocery
list of laps and methods. You will learn about these laps but polishing will be accomplished with the lap I created.
Polishing has never been easier no matter what hardness of gemstone.
This lap leaves no polish marks which is a real problem with compounds. Also, in the past I always used my ceramic lap to
polish alexandrite, rubies and sapphires. This laps do a fine job but it’s not perfection. I cut emerald cut white sapphires
to simulate diamonds. The stones never looked clean because the ceramic lap is so hard that it leaves very fine scratches.
One cutter that purchased this lap from me called back to say he could not polish his sapphires until he used this lap.
There are gemstones said to be difficult to cut. You will learn there are 4 gemstones not difficult to cut, just take longer to grind.
The gemology you learn at this school will reveal the physical properties of these 4 gemstones and why grinding takes longer.
Time Bending - learning from the experience of others
WEEK ONE... Basic Faceting
You will cut 5 "ideal cut" gemstones
| Day | Gemology | Gem Cutting |
| 1 | Using the Dial Gauge... What is Calibration? | Standard Round Brilliant |
| 2 | Using the Dichroscope... What is Double Refraction? | Emerald Cut |
| 3 | Using the Dichroscope... Describing Pleochroic Colors | Oval Brilliant |
| 4 | Using the Polariscope... What is Optical Character? | Marquise Brilliant |
| 5 | Using the Polariscope... What is Uniaxial & Biaxial? | Pear Brilliant |
WEEK TWO... Advanced Faceting
You will cut 5 designer style "Barion Cuts"... these styles are highly desirable
The Barion cut was developed in 1970 by Basil Watermeyer, a diamond cutter in Johannesburg,
Republic of South Africa. The predominant features of this faceting technique will add
fire and scintillation plus more color in light to medium colored gemstones.
| Day | Gemology | Gem Cutting |
| 1 | Using the Refractometer... What is Refractive Index? | Square Antique Cushion |
| 2 | Using the Refractometer... What is a Spot Test? | Triangular Cushion |
| 3 | Using the Testing Liquids... What is Specific Gravity | Hexagonal |
| 4 | Using the Loupe... What is Cleavage? | Ember |
| 5 | Using the Microscope... What are Inclusions? | Fan |
WEEK THREE... Advanced Faceting II
You will cut 3 of the most challenging designs in faceting
Two of the gemstones will take you 2 days each to complete
You will learn the most advanced techniques for faceting difficult designs
| Day | Gemology | Gem Cutting |
| 1 | Using the Color Filter... Where gems get their color | Brilliant Kite Cut |
| 2 | Using the Spectroscope... What is Selective Absorption? | Firecracker Pear Cut |
| 3 | Using the Diamond Tester... What are Simulates? | " |
| 4 | Color Description... About Hue, Tone & Saturation | Cleopatra's Eye |
| 5 | Using Color & Clarity to Calculate Value | " |
WEEK FOUR... Gemstone Repair
You will learn the art of gemstone repair... removing chips, scratches & abrasions
Learn the tangent ratio formula for angle changes... no trigonometry here! the calculator does the math
4th Week Options: Wax carving, stone setting, using the torch, ring sizing and buffing
You will receive a certificate of completion for each week
Have you ever wanted to be a professional at something? Attend my school
Come visit Charlotte, North Carolina and take an educational vacation
The excitement can last a life time!
| Course Price: | $800 / week | |
| Weekends: | $180 / day | |
| Hours: | 8am to 5pm |
Take classes with a friend
$200 / day - $500 each per week
This school runs each week
Once you have determined your schedule, call to register for class
Phone: 704.778.6967
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