[Jewelry making - Article 00809] - Re: [Orchid] Difficulty polishing lapis cabochons

[coralnut]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

Tom,

    I have cut a fair amount of lapis lazuli over the years and have
    found that its rare to find two stones that polish alike.  I have
    used leather, wood, plastic, felt, etc,.  Cerium, linde A/B, Holy
    Cow, etc.   Fast speed, slow speed, etc.  Result, I still can't find
    two stones that polish alike.  For the most part, lazuli seems to
    like a harder carrier and linde A.  My wood laps with LA produced a
    more consistant result than anyother. However, the consistancy of
    the stone also had a lot to do with it.  If it is a lighter blue it
    is extremely difficult to polish.  Likewise with the deep purple.  I
    believe the stones that are an even deep blue with a bit of pyrite 
    will polish the best. 

    I suggest you try either hard leather or a grooved hardwood lap with
    linde A using  medium speed and pressure. Just last weekend, I met
    the wife of an old friend who was wearing a lazuli I had cut and set
    for her nearly 30 years ago (her favorite ring) and it still looks
    just great.  It had been polished on wood with LA. Let me know how
    it works for you. 

    Re the use of paraffin to polish...it does a pretty good job though
    I prefer whale wax to paraffin...its harder and more consistant.  As
    long as you declare the polish is done with paraffin, there should
    be no problem.  You are correct that paraffin is not permanent
    though it should last quite awhile as long as it is not subjected to
    solvents or high heat.  It can also be rewaxed easily enough. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________