bcc
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Member since March 2004
Posts: 0
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Post by bcc on Mar 11, 2004 7:23:41 GMT -5
GOT A QUESTION. DOES ANYONE KNOW A GOOD PLACE TO GET A GEM FACET? hOW CAN YOU BE SURE IT IS THE ONE YOU SENT AND WHAT DO THE DO WITH THE LEFT OVERS? DO THEY SEND THEM BACK OR WHAT?
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Post by creativeminded on Mar 11, 2004 11:44:52 GMT -5
This is the place that I sent my rough sappires, garnets, and amethyst to.
Elliott S. Sher P.O. Box 6041 Bellevue, WA 98008-6041
(206) 464-3010 ~ Email: essher@hotmail.com
This place is recommended by the Sapphire Spokane Mine out of Helena, MT.
They assure me that I will get the ones back that they were'nt able to facet.
Tami
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Post by bcC on Mar 11, 2004 14:50:29 GMT -5
how much do you usually have to pay for a facet?
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Post by creativeminded on Mar 11, 2004 15:29:51 GMT -5
I don't know, I got a coupon through the sapphire mines and got a discount. This is my first time using them. You can e-mail him and ask. He is very quick in his responses unless he is out of town.
Tami
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BC
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Member since February 2004
Posts: 0
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Post by BC on Mar 11, 2004 16:10:35 GMT -5
just got an e-mail from him and he couldnt give me a price. Said he had to see it first. Im worried to send it and it never show back up. and don't want to be so pricy that I wish i didnt do it
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Skipper
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 258
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Post by Skipper on Mar 12, 2004 0:12:00 GMT -5
why not send a digital picture with a reference item lika coin? He's gotta be able to ball-park the estimate and should give you an "absolute maximum" price or I wouldn't send it.
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Post by docone31 on Mar 12, 2004 19:07:42 GMT -5
As a rule, faceting costs 9$ a facet, complete. I would question anyone who charges less unless you know the individual. I am referring to hand faceting rather than machine faceting. The difference between hand faceting and machine faceting is the meet point facets. The reason for the charge is the involvement with a single stone. A faceter has to make four cuts including polish on each stone. This sounds simple however, each lap change recquires tearing down the machine and re-setting for each cut. Then the dop, and index must be reset and the stone recut from the girdle to culet and girdle to table. The transfer from cutting culet side to table side is precise and involved. Being a faceter, I turn down a lot of work my customers bring me. It is far less expensive for them to purchase stones individually from a reputable source. If the stone means something however, it might be worth the expense. I have four pieces of moldavite to facet. Each weighs between 21ct and 28ct. When I am finished with each one, they will weigh between 9cts and 14cts. That is if all works well. When I am done, I will sell the stones less mountings for between 500$ and 1500$. The same stones purchased from sources, faceted, would be between 150$ and 600$. The difference is the meet point razor sharp cuts vs., general rounded facet points. Most folks, unless they are jewelers do not see the value between the two. I would caution between the potential of saving money on a dug gemstone, and purchasing a machine cut stone. If cost is an issue, purchase the stone. Even purchasing retail you will save money. If the memory and design is worth it, by all means have it faceted. It will be a treasure that will be unique and priceless to the owner. If retaining the weight of the stone is the issue, the setting will have to be custom made. Faceting is one of the most precise, demanding of the lapidary arts. Metal can be recast, reshaped. A stone, espcially one precious to the owner, is irreplaceable. I hope that helps in the descision process. I have made many settings for folks who do not want to have the stone faceted and want to wear the memory. That in itself is an extraordinary design process, and worth the investment.
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Post by creativeminded on Mar 12, 2004 20:53:40 GMT -5
Thank you for the information. I will put up a picture of the stones I sent off to be faceted.
Tami
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