[Jewelry making - Article 00382] - Re: [Orchid] Unusual shape faceted stones

[Rick Martin]

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>         I've unsuccessfully searched the usual catalogs for faceted
>     stones, both natural and manufactured, that are extremely long
>     with relationship to their width. 

    You need to find dealers who specialize in cutting tourmaline and a
    few other gems that form in crystals with that particular aspect
    ratio. 

    It comes down to basic economics.  Emerald cuts and marquises make
    the best use of the rough crystal shape without great weight loss. 
    Not all gems can be cut in a long, narrow style because of
    differences in crystal forms or the stubbier shapes of stream-tumbled
    stones when mined from waterborne deposits.  It=92s no accident the
    =93emerald cut=94 got its name because beryl occurs in longish narrow
    prisms that cut to that shape with very little weight loss. It=92s
    certainly not one of the more brilliant cuts but is ideal for stones
    that are valued as much for color as glitter. 

    Natural gems often cut in long, narrow shapes include tourmaline,
    the beryls (emerald, yellow beryl, aquamarine, morganite, goshenite),
    topaz, kyanite, crystalline quartzes and spodumene (Kunzite and
    Hiddenite).  Tourmaline is probably your best bet for =93extremely=94
    long natural stones in relationship to width.  Fortunately it occurs
    in many colors so you have plenty of variety to choose from.  You may
    have to work directly with a cutter or mine owner to get stones of
    that type because the market prefers shorter lengths. 

    Any of the man made flame-fusion corundums and spinels grown in long
    boules could likely be cut to the shapes you want.  Again, you=92ll
    probably have to make arrangements with a cutter for them because
    that shape isn=92t much in demand commercially. 

Rick Martin
MARTIN DESIGNS

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