committed to carrying on the fine works started
by Hale Sweeny and Jerry Dewbre
====================================
Issue No.17 - Wednesday November 27, 2002
====================================
Click a link below to post to the list:
for faceting questions faceters@caprock-spur.com
for lapidary questions lapidary@caprock-spur.com
====================================
List Posting Guidelines and rules can be found at:
http://www.gemcutters.org/rules.htm
====================================
Web Site http://www.gemcutters.org
Archives: http://www.gemcutters.org/archives.htm
====================================
Published Monday thru Friday, except holidays
from Spur,Texas
====================================
The Lapidary Arts Digest is moderated by:
Thurmond Moore III & Fred Ward (Gemology)
====================================
From the Moderator:

Since this is a long holiday weekend in the US
the digest will not be produced again until Monday.
Keep those post coming in so I have to play catch
up on Monday. LOL

Also a final note concerning ads. All ads without a
P following the date code beneath each ad will be
removed before the next digest. If you have new
ads or want to keep your ad in the digest for next
month please resubmit it via normal posting with
the subject FS or AD.

Thurmond

====================================
Index to Today's Digest

Lapidary Messages:
--------------
01 Re: Tarnish Free Silver
02 Re: Radiation Poisoning
03 Re: Radiation Poisoning

Faceting Messages:
--------------
04 Re: Dial indicator
05 Re: Scratching
06 excellent site
07 Re: Faceting Apatite
08 Re: Faceting Apatite
09 Multi topic answers
10 Re: pre-former
11 Happy Thansgiving to all
12 Re: CZ for sale

Business Section - No messages today.
====================================
LAPIDARY DISCUSSION:

Message:01

Subject: Re: Non Tarnishing Sterling
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 16:00:40 -0700
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: Dave Arens <gemstonesetc@gci-net.com>

Jake asked,

>>I have a question. Perhaps someone can help. I wrote the IGS and they put
this to the readers, re. "I would like to know about the following mentioned on your web site,
if details are available:

"Some South American silversmiths use an 80% alloy that does not tarnish."<<

There's a new non tarnishing sterling alloy available. I believe it was developed in Denmark or
one of the other Scandinavian countries 2 or 3 yrs ago. The alloying metal that's substituted
for copper is germainium.

I've not seen or used any of this metal yet. I belive I heard there was a distributor in New
Jersey, but I don't know the name.

Dave

_______________________________________________________________
Message:02

Subject: Re: Radiation Poisoning
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 13:53:20 -0800
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Jill St. Michael" <jsdp@san.rr.com>

Hello all,

I just wanted to comment that I find very interesting, the discussion on
radiation poisoning and commonly radiated materials. While I abhor the
"alarmist" approach, I do find that factual information - pure knowledge -
is the best defense against the consequential woes of ignorance. And thanks
to both Gerry and Thurmond for the excellent information. As such, I'd like
to offer the info in the "news" section of our gem rough web site, as a
service to RRG viewers who are also members of the lapidary community. That
is, if neither of you has any objections; I'll, of course, be happy to email
to both of you for approval, prior to publication.

Thanks again for the info and for considering my proposal.

Jill
http://www.rrgaetan.com

_______________________________________________________________
Message:03

Subject: stone radiation
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 13:59:21 -0800
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Dale" <bouver@earthlink.net>

This is in response to Gerry.

Gerry,

With regards to getting radiation poisoning from cutting irradiated stones.
There is one way to check the stones whether rough or already cut. You need
to know someone with a darkroom or with a darkroom glove set. Put the
suspected stones in a darkroom lightproof box. Place a sheet of sensitive
unexposed film over the stones. I used to run an Electron Microscope lab.
That film would work just fine. Let it sit for a day or so, that would be
more than enough time. If the stones are hot they will expose the film which
you will see when it is processed. Make sure the emulsion side is facing the
stones. With EM film, when the notch is in the lower right side the emulsion
is facing you. The red colored side is the non emulsion side. So you can
work this out in the dark if you don't have the special darkroom lights. As
I say the film is keyed with notches so you will be able to see which
stone/s were the hot ones because I'm going to assume that you place more
than one stone under each piece of film. Go to a local University Geology
department and tell them what it is you want done and what it's all about.
I'm sure they will be able to help you. If the University has an Electron
Microscopy Lab go to them and explain the problem, they should be eager to
assist. If you've got hot stones and you know the source - BINGO - it's
Federal Authority time. You now have University documentation. Let the
University Haz Mat clean everything up and deal with it.

Actually now that I think about it the Geology Department will have Geiger
counters to check everything out without the darkroom procedure. Their
Geiger counters are more than sensitive enough to deal with the problem.
They're rock people, I'm sure they will set you up.

Then again, the University Haz Mat should also have Geiger counters all
calibrated and ready to go.

OK, there's three ways.

Dale

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
FACETING DISCUSSION:

Message:04

Subject: Re:Dial indicator
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 12:53:12 -0800
To: lapidary@caprock-spur.com (LapidaryArtsDigest)
From: Don Rogers <Don@Campbell-gemstones.com>

At 02:08 PM 11/26/02 -0600, you wrote:
>have a 30 year old Ultra-Tec "Left Hand" machine and would like to put
>a dial indicator on it but they no longer make them.

Dennis, I took some photos of an older UT for a follow up on my alignment
article in the Lapidary Journal. I am afraid that there is a very good
shot of the dial mounting itself, but there is a peek. It may be enough
for you to fill in the gaps.

Take a look at the photos at this link. Hope they help
http://www.campbell-gemstones.com/UTech/

From my memory, it looks a lot like the setup on my Polymetric. You will
have an arm attached to the pivot shaft of the head. It will work in
conjunction to the hard stop. You want the arm to be parallel to the lap
when it is on the hard stop, and be moving "UP", as it approaches the hard
stop. Any block of plastic, or aluminum machined to accept the shaft of
the dial (3/8" exactly), and position the dial plunger over this arm will
work. If you can send me a photo of the hardstop setup, I'll help you on
the design. After thanksgiving though

Don

_______________________________________________________________
Message:05

Subject: Scratching
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 14:18:49 -0800
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Dale" <bouver@earthlink.net>

Jonathan, I did find another possible source for my scratching. My plastic
water drip tank is secured to an aluminum mast on the bottom and secured
with an aluminum nut on the water side. Over the years the anodizing on the
nut had failed and thus the nut had corroded. Corroded aluminum is Aluminum
Oxide. So as I'm cutting and water is being thrown all over the place along
with the swarf, so are chunks of Aluminum Oxide. End of story.

Dale P. Carriere

_______________________________________________________________
Message:06

Subject: NEWBIES, NEWBIES, NEWBIES
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 14:32:17 -0800
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Dale" <bouver@earthlink.net>

Stumbled across an excellent site that is a must for all newbies. It has
excellent diagrams and explanations on how to cut the SRB. Also on the site
are good articles on Digital Gemstone Photography.

www.theimage.com

Dale P. Carriere

_______________________________________________________________
Message:07

Subject: Cutting Apatite
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 22:10:06 EST
To: lapidary@caprock-spur.com
From: Ngems@aol.com

Roger asked about cutting apatite. I recently cut a 2+ Ct. pear from a nice
piece of neon blue apatite. I know that I'll get some "flack" about this, but
I have to tell you that I dopped with black wax on set up and transfer with
no problems. Yes I am aware of how heat sensitive apatite is. I cut the
facets in using a 600 dyna-lap, and prepolished using a 1200 nubond. For
polishing, I used an aluminun oxide dyna-lap. The stone came out looking
pretty darn good.
I'm not telling you or others to do the same, just that it worked for me.
Norm Holbert
Port St. Lucie, FL

_______________________________________________________________
Message:08

Subject: Faceting apatite
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 21:54:55 -0800
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Thomas M. Donahue" <oldcrow@oregonfcu.com>

I have faceted about nine or ten pieces of apatite in both neon and
yellow, from two to about five and a half cts. finished and really never
had a problem with it. I would recommend close inspection for
fractures before cutting. I, rough the facets in with a 600 Lap,
touch them up and prepolish with a 1200 lap and polish with a chrome
oxide Ultra Lap. Works great for me.
Old crow

_______________________________________________________________
Message:09

Subject: Re: Issue No.16 - Tuesday November 26, 2002
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 21:51:56 -0600
To: LapidaryArtsDigest <lapidary@caprock-spur.com>
From: Downey <alckytxn@swbell.net>

> LAPIDARY DISCUSSION:
>
>
> Message:01
>
> Subject: Re: Tarnish Free Silver
> Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 14:22:35 -0700
> To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
> From: John McLaughlin <jemstone@amug.org>
>
>>"Some South American silversmiths use an 80% alloy that does not tarnish."
>>
>>Mr. Clark wrote me back and said that he thought that the trick was the use of nickel, and
>>that perhaps a reader was familiar with this. As for the use of nickel I am afraid that this
>>may very well be the case, which rules out its use for any of my close relatives as they have
>>a metal allergy. Far more common than many suspect. Which is why a local station aired a
>>program on "white gold problems." Most is made with a nickel alloy, but sometimes (not often)
>>palladium is used for white gold, which avoids the problem. However is that is the case not
>>all is lost as I have no metal allergies, and would seriously consider this (for myself) if
>>it is not some kind of nightmare to alloy for casting.
>
>
> Hi Jake,
>
> I have found a source for non-tarnishing casting silver. To my knowledge, this has no nickel
> in it. I believe it is 92.5 silver, but I may be mistaken. The e-mail from the factory rep
> follows, along with his e-mail address. More details are available on their web site:
> http://www.unitedpmr.com/Deoxidized_Sterling.htm
>
> From: Vinny Guadagna <vinnyg@unitedpmr.com>
>
> The S-88 sterling will actually have better tarnish resistance than the S-57. The S-57 is
> designed more for casting than rolling.
>
> Please let me know the size, thickness, and number of pieces you need and we will do our best
> to meet your needs.
>
> Best Regards,
> Vinny
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> John McLaughlin
> Glendale, Arizona
>
>
> _______________________________________________________________
> Message:02
>
> Subject: "Jake's" question
> Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 01:56:47 -0800
> To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
> From: "Gail Bumala" <boomart@cascadeaccess.com>
>
> Dear Jake,
> When I was in highschool, our instructor urged us to avoid bringing
> in "Mexican Silver" to use for casting or any recycling purpose, for
> that matter. Because of the nickel, it was difficult to melt and cast
> and very brittle. Also, many people experience "contact dermatitis" from
> nickel, which range from minor itching to full skin breakdown and nasty
> skin ulcers. Breathing in the dust is quite hazardous to many body
> organs and is almost certainly a carcinogen. I'd rather get out the
> polish and a cloth. Sincerely, Gail Ann, Sandy, Oregon, USA,
> laboom@cascadeaccess.com

Howdy Folks,
I was confused initially as to what alloy was being discussed. Since we
are now talking about 'sterling' or 925 I believe there are 3-4 alloys,
most replacing a fraction of the copper with silicon or germanium,
available that are 'low tarnish'. I may purchase some of the M alloy
from mettaliferous if I continue to have problems with firescale! But, I
think patination of these alloys with liver of sulfur and other coloring
agents is negated. BTW-in the US I think I read where stamping laws only
require 925 to represent an alloy containg 92.5% silver, the remainder
can be any metal and still be legal. This may not be the case in other
countries or if one uses 'sterling' for a stamp. I also would like to
see some info on things like annealing, spring hardening/work hardening
and heat treat hardening of these alloys.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

> Subject: Radiation Poisoning
> Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 17:13:11 -0700
> To: <lapidary@caprock-spur.com>
> From: "Galarneau's" <gggemswcr@cox.net>
>
> All,
> I asked a question a few weeks ago about Mark Liccinni and whether he
> died of a disease caused by radiation poisoning. I received one
> response from a medical professional off this list. They said that most
> blood diseases can be caused by radiation. For a fact they said that
> the most gaurded against diseases caused by chemotherapy are blood
> diseases. I am concerned for two reasons. One it is my belief that a
> lot of radiated gemstones are coming into the USA without being tested
> to make sure that they are safe. Two, I cut a lot of radiated gemstones
> both in rough and in finished stones. No matter how careful you are
> when cutting you still breath and come into contact with some of the
> dust from grinding. Usually that dust is very fine particles in
> atomized water which readily is absorbed in your lungs. Every treater of
> gemstones I know that treats in the USA has the stones cut first in Asia
> then treated in the USA. When you cut out of rough you get to cut the
> radiated stones. Following is a list of materials I know are radiated
> to obtain their color : Lemon citrine, blue topaz, Imperial Topaz, red
> quartz, green quartz, heliodor beryl, smoky quartz, bi-color smokey and
> citrine, bi-color smokey and clear quartz. The list could be larger as
> I could of missed a few and no one knows exactly what is being done to
> the rough and to the cut stones. Are we being slowly poisoned as we cut
> our rocks? Does anyone know?

Howdy Gerry,
There's little question that breathing in even alpha emmiters would be
very dangerous. I can't answer all you questions but I do recall, back
in the middle-late 90s, some cat's eye chrysoberyls from China were
still 'hot' from treatment and were discovered, IIRC, at a gem lab in
taiwan or Hong Kong. I wonder how many tourists/smugglers got 'em out
without detection? I'm glad some folks like Thurmond and others are
cheking the stuff with a survey meter.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan
__________________
> Message:06
>
> Subject: Dial indicator
> Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 21:53:35 -0600
> To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
> From: "Dennis J Brown" <lamebeaver3@insightbb.com>
>
> I have a 30 year old Ultra-Tec "Left Hand" machine and would like to put
> a dial indicator on it but they no longer make them. What I need is a
> series of photos of an existing installation so that I can make one for
> myself. Does anybody have one on a machine, right or left, so that I can
> see how it is constructed.
>
> Dennis

Howdy Dennis,
Although I have a dial ind. I think for the trouble, you would be well
served to use the Beale/Wooley-type indicator. Especially since it is
fairly easy to add to (most) UTs. Just get/borrow a cheap ohmmeter and
connect from the screw on the 'stop arm' to a screw on the yoke. Perhaps
others here can elaborate, but I have read great results are possible,
maybe better than the dial ind.
Carl
1 Lucky Texan

_______________________________________________________________
Message:10

Subject: pre-former
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 22:40:17 -0500
To: <faceters@caprock-spur.com>
From: "Don Ault" <donault@wcnet.org>

Subject: C.W.BELL JR.'s question
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 11:25:38 EST
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: donault@wcnet.org

I own a pre-former, motor driven with cam assortment. Works very well
for me. Bought it from Graves catalog for about $120.00. The catalog
picture might help you design one if this is more than you can spend.

Don, from Ohio
_______________________________________________________________
Message:11

Subject: Happy Thansgiving to all
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 09:10:17 +0200
To: <lapidary@caprock-spur.com>
From: "birdamlasu" <fob@birdamlasu.com>

Hello,
I posted something in Orchid digest and found out that one can have so
many friends without seeing them. After my jewellery stolen, I did not
participate in the discussions and I did not post anything for a long
time. But I am here, reading your posts and trying to get back to my old
self and trying to get my creativity back. Mostly I look at Steve
Walter's carvings to sparkle this creativity again.
I have finished giving Gemology courses in Ankara. It was a 45 hour
concentrated course. I believe I was helpfull to the students. Very soon
I will start giving silk painting courses. For the time being I cannot
cut or carve a stone and I can only look at the jewellery photos.
I wish to everybody best of luck in the future.
Kind regards from Ankara, Turkey
Oya Borahan

_______________________________________________________________
Message:12

Subject: CZ
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2002 14:16:46 -0800 (PST)
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: dolores peterson <efp70@yahoo.com>

Hi
My Name is Elmer Peterson efp70@yahoo.com
I live out in Lynnwood Wa.
I would take a minimum $25.00 order of the cz if it
is still avalabel' Your choice of colors> Im
fussyssey.
Let me know if you will take a credit card # or do you
want caand ahd what if the postage on your min. order.
Elmer
efp70@yahoo.com

=====
Elmer F. Peterson
efp70@yahoo.com

====================================
RESOURCES FOR LAPIDARIES ~

Hale Sweeny's Lapidary Digest Archives http://www.lapidarydigest.com/
International Lapidary Association http://www.gemcutters.org

RESOURCES FOR FACETER'S ~

Facetron: http://www.facetron.com/
Graves: http://www.rockhounds.com/graves/
MDR: http://www.mdr-facet.com/
Polymetric: http://www.polymetricinc.com/
Ultra-tec: http://www.ultratec-facet.com
Fac-Ette Manufacturing Company: (910)256-9248
http://www.fac-ette.com/ 800-336-9248.
Raytech Industries: http://www.raytech-ind.com
Rock Peddler: 1-800-416-4348 / www.rockpeddler.com

====================================

RESOURCES FOR GEMOLOGISTS ~

Accredited Gemologists Association, http://aga.polygon.net/
American Gem Society, (AGS) 702-255-6500
American Gem Trade Association, (AGTA) http://www.agta.org
Gemmological Assc. & GTL / Great Britain, http://www.gagtl.ac.uk/gagtl
Gemmological Association of Australia, http://www.gem.org.au
Gemological Institute of America, (GIA) http://www.gia.edu.giagem
International Gem Society (IGS) web site is: http://www.gemsociety.org
International Colored Gemstone Association, http://www.gemstone.org

====================================

FACETING GUILDS (Alphabetically, World) ~

*Charleston Faceting Guild, South Carolina, wmcnay@mindspring.com.
*Columbia-Willamette Faceter's Guild, http://www.facetersguild.com/
*Danish Faceters Guild, http://medlem.spray.se/danfacet/
*East/Central Florida:Tomoka Gem and Mineral Society's Faceters Guild,
Don Cameron: ghgemcutter@earthlink.net
*Eastern Mass Faceter's Group, rockpeddler@attbi.com
*Faceter's Forum Society-LaPorte, IN VESteele@aol.com
*Faceter's Guild of N. California, Wayne Meissner, lklomp@cnetech.com
*Faceter's Guild of S. California, Jerry W. Carroll, (818)348-6327
*Intermountain Faceter's Guild, Carl M. Unruh, (360)385-3753
*Midwest Faceter's Guild, E-mail: tgibbs@compuserve.com
*Mid-Williamette Faceters Guild, Albany, Oregon, Michael E. Bumcrot;
E-mail @ MBumcrot@valleyoilco.com
*Moreton Bay is a branch of the Australian Facetors' Guild, Brisbane,
Queensland. http://cwpp.slq.qld.gov.au/afg
*New Mexico Faceter's Guild, Nancy Attaway, attaway@highfiber.com
http://www.attawaygems.com/NMFG
*North Puget Sound Faceting Guild, Keith Wyman, tfw@fidalgo.net
*Tacoma Faceting Guild, Chuck Bloch chuck_b@prodigy.net
*Texas Faceter's Guild, Jill Rowlands, gemsbyj@aol.com
*Seattle Faceting Club (LeonardBahr@prodigy.net)
*United States Faceting Guild (Keith Wyman, tfw@fidalgo.net)
http://www.usfacetersguild.org/events.shtml
*Vancouver Island Faceters' Guild - British Columbia, Canada.
wrheitland@shaw.ca

(Add your faceting organization here, US or International - Write to
( owner-lapidary@caprock-spur.com or owner-faceters@caprock-spur.com )

====================================

TODAY'S FUNNY ~

These are actual calls to technical support help desks...
(Some of you may find this funny while others could possibly use this
section as a reference)

A woman called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
The tech asked her if she was "running it under Windows." The woman
then responded, "No, my desk is next to the door. But that is a good point.
The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his is working fine."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tech Support: "How much free space do you have on your hard drive?"
Customer: "Well, my wife likes to get up there on that Internet, and she
downloaded ten hours of free space. Is that enough?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overheard in a computer shop: Customer: "I'd like a mouse mat, please.
" Salesperson: "Certainly sir, we've got a large variety." Customer: "But will
they be compatible with my computer?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I once received a fax with a note on the bottom to fax the document back
to the sender when I was finished with it, because he needed to keep it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Customer: "Can you copy the Internet for me on this diskette?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I work for a local ISP. Frequently we receive phone calls that go something
like this: Customer: "Hi. Is this the Internet?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some people pay for their on-line services with checks made payable to
"The Internet."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Customer: "So that'll get me connected to the Internet, right?"
Tech Support: "Yeah."
Customer: "And that's the latest version of the Internet, right?"
Tech Support: "Uhhh... uh... uh... yeah."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tech Support: "Ok Bob, let's press the control and escape keys at the
same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now
type the letter 'P' to bring up the Program Manager."
Customer: "I don't have a 'P'."
Tech Support: "On your keyboard, Bob."
Customer: "What do you mean?"
Tech Support: "'P' on your keyboard, Bob."
Customer: "I'm not going to do that!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Customer: "My computer crashed!"
Tech Support: "It crashed?"
Customer: "Yeah, it won't let me play my game."
Tech Support: "All right, hit Control-Alt-Delete to reboot."
Customer: "No, it didn't crash-it crashed."
Tech Support: "Huh?"
Customer: "I crashed my game. That's what I said before. Now it doesn't work."
Turned out, the user was playing Lunar Lander and crashed his spaceship.
Tech Support: "Click on 'File,' then 'New Game.'"
Customer: [pause] "Wow! How'd you learn how to do that?"

=====================================

REFLECTIONS AND TIDBITS:

Subject: Re: Issue No.16 - Tuesday November 26, 2002
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 11:23:42 +1030
To: "LapidaryArtsDigest" <lapidary@caprock-spur.com>
From: "aurimas" <aurimas@chariot.net.au>

G'Day Naomi and list

I loved your 'umbles' etc posting and would enjoy more of similar
nature.......are there any "seconds"?
Back in the 70's I made a whole bunch of candelabra and chandeliers to light
up a medival dinner for 400 (bathed) people. It was to announce a new
vintage , a Bushing Festival.
Hope to hear more from you.

Cheers
Autrimas in Adelaide,surrounded by wine and opal,

=====================================
BUSINESS SECTION:
=====================================
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS:

Subject: AD
Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 16:44:27 -0500
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: Bob Collins <nichesw@comcast.net>

CZ - Final Sale

Hi Cutters,

I expect this to be my final update to this ad...

As I said, I am not a rough dealer... just a cutter like you.

Recently I had the opportunity to buy a mixed lot of Russian CZ... as it

turned out, it was MUCH more CZ than I would ever cut!!!
So I sold some of it to others.

Well, I got seduced again!!! I was able to get some of the nicer, more
exotic colors... (couldn't resist!) so, I once again have much too much
just for me.

Once this is gone... THERE WILL BE NO MORE FROM ME!!!
...AND, I'm going to cut prices and beat all competition that I am aware
of...
Good opportunity to stock up!

I have it in the following colors / sizes:

Dark Violet - Amethyst (avg. 160 cts)
Lavender 50 - 85cts (avg. 70)
Champagne 100 - 520cts (avg. 165)
Red 50 - 592cts (avg. 75)
Red/Brown (Cognac?) 100 - 366cts (avg. 120)
Orange (Padpradscha?) 10 - 65cts. (avg. 25) SUPER!
Peridot (Apple?) Green 25 - 120cts. (avg. 35)
Light Pink 20 - 700cts (avg. 35)
Medium Pink - all about 35cts.
Yellow - light 25 - 45cts. (avg. 35)
Yellow - medium - all about 35cts.
Yellow - dark 15 - 50cts. (avg. 35)

All the above at a FINAL price of $0.04/ct. (avg. retail = $0.08 to
$0.10)

Now the "Exotics"!!!

Green - shades vary from a lighter green with a touch of yellow to a
deeper green. 35 - 100 cts. (avg. 70)

Light Blue - looks a lot like mid-grade blue topaz in color. Avg. about
18cts.

Blue(s) - Medium blue to Teal color. Avg. about 150cts.

Electric Blue - WILD!!! 40 - 250cts. (avg. 100)

The Green/Blue are more expensive... $0.18/ct. (Avg. retail = about
$0.25)

Let me know what size(s) you require and I will do my best to meet your
needs.
$25 min. order, please.

Postage and insurance (at my cost) will be extra.

GemBob
nichesw@comcast.net
http://www.qualitygemcutting.com/gpbobc.htm

11192002
********

Rough to Cut
If you're looking for quality facet rough please check out Rough to Cut,
http://www.roughtocut.com. We offer a wide range of quality facet rough
from Aquamarine to Zircon. Large selections in stock currently of Beryl,
Garnets & Tourmalines. Please check us out & when you do, why not give a
try to our contest, you could win a 5ct + piece of Spessartite garnet
facet rough.

Noel
Rough to Cut
http:www.roughtocut.com

11142002P
********

Facet polishing laps
Still have a couple of dozen Vargas Pol-A-Gem laps left. Only Cerium Oxide
in 6" size. There will be no more 8". Glenn really is not interested in
fiddling with his lathe to correct his maching problems at 8". He and his
protoge, Dick Rugel, will make more 6" if there is demand. There is nothing
faster,better or more durable than a Pol-A-Gem for quartz,sunstone, opal etc.
One lap should last a lifetime ....and they DO NOT SCRATCH. They also work
great on 8" machines. Lemme know your interest. Price delivered in US is
$63.85.
Jerry Newman Gemart Services gemartserv@aol.com

11072002
********

Subject: AD
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 20:50:44 -0800
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: "P. Miklik" <b-daw@pacbell.net>

AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Contact b-daw@pacbell.net

ZIRCONS
Honey, red & brown zircons, 10g parcels @$20/parcel

GARNETS
Red Garnet $8/g, eye clean-slightly included
Spessartine Garnet $7.50/g, slight-moderately included
Malaya Garnet $6/g, good eye clean roughs
Tunduri Garnet $10/g, eye clean-slightly included

TOURMALINES
Pink Tourmaline $20/g, eye clean-slightly included
Red Tourmaline $10/g, slight-moderately included
Bicolor Tourmaline $15/g, eye clean
Watermelon Tourmaline $20/g eye clean
Green/Green Blue Tourmaline $10/g, eye clean roughs

SAPPHIRES
Blue, Green & Blue/Green Sapphires $35/g, eye clean-slightly
included, up to 1g.

BERYL
Blue Beryl (Aquamarine) $6/g, eye clean-slightly included crystals
Green Beryl (Emerald) $10-$50/g, eye clean-slightly included crystals,
zoned green
Cabbing Grade Aquamarine $3/g

11012002
********

Must sell the following rough - no reasonable offer refused -

Rose Malaya Garnet - deep red, eye clean african material - 1 kg available -
$2.00/gram for quantities of 500 grams or more

Red Zircon - eye clean african material - 300g available - $2.00/gram if you
take the entire 300 grams

Spessartite Orange Garnet - slightly to moderately included African
material - Ranges from 1.5 - 3 cts size - $7.50 per gram if you take the
entire 300 grams

I have put pictures of the rough and stones cut from it on the web -
check it out at: http://www.wintershill.com/rough

You can email me (Richard) for more info or ?'s at: wntrhill@somtel.com

*******
Rock Peddler
Complete online discount catalog for cabbing and faceting machines, wheels,
laps, polishes, diamond saws, diamond blades, and general lapidary supplies
at http://www.rockpeddler.com.

09272002P
********

Gewelers Gems
e-mail: sales@jewelersgems.com
Solid copper laps 1/4 thick 8" and 6" you can charge both sides with
diamond. http://www.jewelersgems.com/faceting_laps.htm

03222002P
********

NOW ONLINE! RRGaetan Gem Rough - Featuring excellent, facet-grade,
Colombian Emerald rough! PLUS, Chrome Tourmaline, Achroite Tourmaline,
Golden Chrome Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Spess, Mint and Malaya Garnets,
and more! For photos and more information, visit us at rrgaetan.com.

11242002RP
********

===================================

COMPETITIONS:

For All National and International Masters, Past-Masters and
World-Class Cutters:

This post is simply a reminder that in 2003 the USFG will host its
first National and International Faceting Competition. It is called
the North American Faceting Challenge -- 'NAFC.' Since the designs
and rules were first published in the 2001 September Issue of the
USFG's Newsletter, and since they have not been published since 2001,
some of you, who are most capable - skill-wise, may not
know about the competition, and some of you may have forgotten. The
"NAFC" is an OPEN Competition. Please note: The designs and rules
can be downloaded at <http://www.usfacetersguild.org/events.shtml>.
The closing date is June 20th, 2003; the amount of time between the
present date and June 20th, 2003 should be enough for all Master
cutters to cut the two required designs -- Fred Van Sant's "Four
Star," and Charles Covill's "Wind Wheel No. 2." If further
information is needed, please contact me at <clmoon@pacbell.net>.

Charlie Moon

*****

Subject: First USFG faceting list design competition.
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 16:29:21 -0800
To: faceters@caprock-spur.com
From: Dan Clayton <dclayton@speakeasy.org>

First USFG faceting list design competition.

Design: Hexagon or Hexagon Cushion in Colorless or Colored Topaz

Judging: Highest number for total ISO values at 0, 10, 20,30, 40
and 50 degree tilt with five degree head shadow in GemFramx will
win. Example parameters are given below to achieve this configuration.
Online designs must be submitted by January 10, 2003. Design and
cut entries should have the design posted by that date but stone judging
will take place at the OPLC Hobnob in Tucson in February 2003.

Publication: All entries will be posted on the USFG faceting list site
and possibly on the USFG site as well. Designs may be included in
a USFG list CD. Designers maintain copyright to their designs but
must allow posting on the USFG faceting list site. Posting or publishing
elsewhere is not only permitted but encouraged.

Followup: Additional contests may be held for other shapes and
materials if there is sufficient interest and participation.

RI 1.61
head shadow 5 degrees
ignore glare no (default)
tilt movie yes (default)
starting tilt direction 0
ending tilt direction 5 (default)
maximum tilt angle 50
tilt increment 10
suppress VGA no (default)
concave no (default)
COS files no (default)
ISO files no ( you can enter yes if you wish
but it will fill your disk )
DISP files no (default)
exit files no (default)
starting file # increment each run if you wish to save images

Values for ISO will be summed and used as ISO total.
ISO Total will be deciding factor in judging but there will be 30
points deducted for a missed meetpoint. Fractional

Special recognition will be given to most original design as determined
by team of four judges selected by Jeff Ford or delegate/s.

Classes:

Individual,
all work must be done by one individual. In the
case of a fractional indices or an incomplete design a design
coach will explain how the problem can be fixed and the
entry will be moved to Coached class.

Team/Coached,
more than one individual from a club, guild or area may work together
as a team. If an individual wishes coaching they may do so but most
work must be done by the entrant with only suggestions by coach. This
means Fred Van Sant or some other designer can not do a design that you
enter as your own. I encourage friends, club/guild members to enter as a
team. Do not hesitate to enter if you need some coaching. We have design
mentors who are happy to help you.

Modified,
for a public domain design or a copyrighted design that the copyright holder
gives you permission to use. You enter design with modified angles, new tiers
or deleted tiers which gives "optimum" performance as determined by ISO
total. We will post at least two very basic designs you can enhance as you
please.

Design and Cut,
design will be posted and ISO Total noted but beauty of the finished stone
will be the judging criteria. Stones will be judged at the OPLC Hobnob in
Tucson. Individual, Team/Coached and Modified designs will be judged
separately.

I hope this format will encourage design and optimization oldtimers and
newcomers to get involved and hopefully develop their skills. All
entries will be posted on the site and may drive some traffic and interest.
I think ISO Total is as good as any single value to evaluate design
performance but we will look to improve criteria in the future.

Dan Clayton

===================================

SHOWDATES:

~ FLORIDA

Canaveral Mineral & Gem Society is again presenting
our yearly gem show, the Parade of Gems, November 23rd and 24th at the
Melbourne auditorium, 625 E Hibiscus Blvd in Melbourne, FL, from 10AM to
6PM. Admission is $3, with kids under 12 admitted free.

*****

Tomoka Gem and Mineral Society's annual show will be held on Dec. 14 and 15 at
the Volusia County Fairgrounds, located on state route 44 in Deland, Florida.
Fairgrounds are 1 mile east of interstate route 4 at exit 118. We will have at
least one showcase of faceted gems done by our members. Thank you, John Withey

*****

~ CALIFORNIA

FACETERS SYMPOSIUM 2003
Presented by the Faceter's Guild of Southern California
At the Seaside GEMboree AFMS/CFMS Convention & Show
Ventura, California June 6-7-8, 2003

You are invited to participate in the Faceters
Symposium 2003 which will be held at the Seaside Park
(Ventura Fairgrounds) at Ventura, California during the
AFMS/CFMS Convention & Show. The Faceters Symposium dates
are June 6th, 7th, & 8th. That is Friday, Saturday, &
Sunday. The CFMS GEMboree is on those dates as well as on
Thursday the 5th of June. All of this is at the same
location, just a hundred yards from the beach.

The Faceters Symposium will feature ten speakers, who
will have presentations covering various parts of gemstone
faceting interests. A Hospitality Hour on Friday evening
and a Saturday Awards Luncheon are also part of the
Symposium. There will be competitions at the Novice,
Advanced, & Masters levels. Get started on your
competition entry soon.

The CFMS GEMboree itself will have buildings that have
exhibits on display, dealers with their wares to offer,
demonstrators to show how it is done, and speakers with
presentations covering other lapidary fields of interest.

For information & costs regarding the Faceters
Symposium (including competition information), your contact
is listed below. Ask for one of the Packets. Be sure to
state your snail mailing address so that a Packet can be
mailed to you.

Glenn Klein, Chairman
24001 Muirlands Blvd., Space #79
Lake Forest, CA 92630 email: glennklein@yahoo.com

~TENNESSEE

The Middle Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. announces their
22nd annual "Earth Treasures" Jewelry, Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show.
There will be door prizes, auctions, exhibits, demonstrations and 30
dealers from around the US.

The MTG&MS is a not-for-profit educational society, made up of local
members from around Middle Tennessee, interested in the study, collection
and understanding of minerals, the earth's geological history, jewelry
making, and the polishing of gem stones. The profit from this annual
show and sale go to fund nine (9) scholarships at regional universities,
along with two Tennessee Elementary Schooll Earth Science projects
and two middle Tennessee Senior Citizens workshop programs.

Date: December 14-15, 2002

Time: 9 AM-6 PM Saturday & 10 AM-5 PM Sunday

Place: Creative Arts Building, Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee

Admission: $2.00 Adults, $0.50 High School Students, Under 12 free with an adult

Contact: Will Smith (615) 366-1022 Show Chairperson

Web Site: www.mtgms.org Email: willsmith.2@comcastnet

Exhibits: Show cases of Fossils, Minerals, Jewelry, cut and polished gemstones

Including local Elmwood minerals from the zinc mines at Carthage and beautiful
Tennessee Paint Rock Agate from the mountains of Middle Tennessee

Demonstrations: Silversmithing, beading, wire wrapping, flint knapping and faceting

Other activities: Hourly door prizes and silent auctions

Dealers will offer:

Gold and silver jewelry, mountings and repair

Colored gem stones & diamonds, loose or mounted in jewelry

Crystals and minerals from around the world including our local-world renowned
golden calcites from Carthage

Fossils and artifacts including dinosaur life, marine life and prehistoric arrowheads,
along with modern flint knapping

Tools and supplies for the above

Feel free to call if you have any questions. We appreciate your help and support.

~VIRGINIA

Roanoke Valley Mineral & Gem Society - 22nd Annual Show at the
Salem Civic Center, Salem, VA 11/29-12/1/02. Thanks,Larry White

===================================

LAPIDARY ARTS and FACETERS DIGEST PERSONALS:

KANSAS: If anyone in the central portion of the country from Oklahoma city
to Wichita to Kansas City would be interested in forming something like the
Flatland Facet Guild or some such name give me a line at
faceter@bigfoot.com
Larry W. Davis
******

ILLINOIS - MISSOURI (Central Area, hubed around St. Louis, Missouri) A
group of 4 faceters have met and we had a great time. We intend to meet
again and would like to have fellow faceters join our group. I received an
email from another Newbie that expressed interest in attending our next get
together. Faceters from any and all areas are welcome... It's swell to meet
personally and exchange tips and hints! COME JOIN OUR GROUP! It's FREE! ;o)
Doug Smith, Alton, IL .at: gembin@spiff.net
******

INDIANA: I moved to Valparaiso, (Northwest) Indiana, about three years ago.
Are there any clubs in this area? or is there anyone interested in starting
one? I do faceting and some cabbing. Not much here but cornfields. Nice
scenery, but I get sooooooo lonely. LOL Let me know. (Bill) "William
J.Pysnack" <wjpin@home.com>
******

S.E. LOUISIANA: Anyone in or around the New Orleans, LA area wishing to
form a club or have get togethers for faceting, discussions, cabbing,
procurement, etc. Please contact me via email @ tbird@bayouself.org. (Thom
Bird - Chalmette, LA)
*****

MISSISSIPPI: If anyone is near Meridian Mississippi and would be interested
in forming some kind of club or just get together with faceting and/or
cabbing please e-mail me at jennings@netdoor.com Thanks, Jim
*****

TEXAS: Anyone in the Corpus Christi or Coastal Bend area that is interested
in starting a local faceter's guild contact me at: hankswan@earthlink.net or
gemscc@msn.com or telephone 361-857-2405 (days) or 361-992-1296
(evenings).Hank swan
******

WASHINGTON DC.(Rockville Md area) Looking for folks to get together
occasionally to facet. I have just started faceting and am also interested
in sphere making (infinate # of facets) Robert Winfield
winfielr@inra.nimh.nih.gov
******

=============================================
Lurking is fine, but participation is more fun!! Get involved!!
=============================================

LAPIDARY ARTS and FACETERS DIGEST Staff ~

Thurmond Moore III/ Moderator
owner-faceters@caprock-spur.com

Fred Ward / Moderator - Gemology
fward@erols.com.

Tempie Francis, Attorney at Law / Legal Advisor

==============================================
==============================================

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