[Jewelry making - Article 00009] - Re: [Orchid] Burnt Diamonds!

[MillsGem]

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    All, I certainly wouldn't dispute the assertion that stones seem to
    be more fragile nowadays. mainly because that assertion is not
    quantifiable. I certainly haven't noticed that stones are more
    fragile while setting them in jewelry mountings, but I also have
    developed a respect for their "potential" fragility through
    experience and accumulated skill. It may be that certain treatments
    have exagerated the fragility of some stones, but I have always
    treated stones as if they were prone to breakage and I seldom damage
    them especially those which belong to a customer or which are already
    imperfect. If I were compelled to make a quicker profit by virtue of
    cutting a stone from the rough and abusing it in the process, it
    would seem that damage to the stone would be far more likely. Indeed,
    "cobbing" rough is a process which inevitably carries with it the
    risk of incurring damage to the stone because it is a hap-hazard
    process. Even the process of "bruting" a diamond is attended by risk
    ! 

    Ultimately the risk of breaking or damaging a faceted gemstone is
    most likely to occur during the process of setting. The force of
    closing a prong over the girdle of a stone is enormous as is the
    process of hammering a bezel. In my own experience, I would
    generalize that as I have grown older and more experienced I have had
    much fewer bad experiences with setting stones. It is a matter of
    learning their limitations and exercising caution.    Ron at Mills
    Gem, Los Osos, Ca. 

    P.S. Don't get me wrong I have broken plenty of stones that is
    exactly why I don't break them anymore I have learned their 
    limitations ( as well as my own )

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