[Jewelry making - Article 00982] - Re: [Orchid] Gem intaglio and carving classes?

[Epaul Fischer]

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    I didn't quite realize just how sparse the available information
    seems to be until I did some research to answer this question. 

    Most of the really useful information is found in general gem
    carving books. I consider the books by Henry Hunt essential to anyone
    interested in carving gemstones in any style. They are "Lapidary
    Carving for Creative Jewelry" and "American Lapidary: Designing the
    Carved Gemstone".  These are currently available from Mt. Mist
    Products 

    http://www.ganoksin.com/resources/detail-mt._mist-1992.html 

    who are also an excellent source for high quality sintered diamond
    burrs. 

    There is also a great book from the late sixties by Gordon Kennedy
    "The Fundamentals of Gemstone Carving" that has a small but useful
    section on intaglio and cameo carving. The rest of the book is chock
    full of interesting ideas and techniques. 

    The best current source is probably the much maligned Lapidary
    Journal magazine. John Kuehn wrote a Step-byStep in January 1997,
    there was an article by Falk Burger in July 2001, their website
    contains a feature article by Helen Serras-Herman on carving
    techniques  that are can be readily applied to intaglio and cameo,
    and a January 1999 article by Franziska van Kracht on cameo carving
    which is available online. Intaglio and cameo are literally the
    reverse of each other, so the same tools and techniques are often
    used. Many intaglio carvers also carve cameos and visa versa. 

    I don't know of any videos or classes on the subject of intaglio
    carving in stone. There are scads of videos on intaglio carving in
    wood which have information that can be of use. 

    The important thing about intaglio carving is to think in reverse
    and be patient. It seems easier to overcut intaglio than other forms
    of gemcarving. Unlike wax carving, there is no going back and adding
    some more on. 

    It is important in the design stage to decide whether or not you
    want a reverse of the actual image. Signets are traditionally a
    reverse of the final image so that the wax impression is true. I use
    the computer to draw the design and then reverse the image. I print
    out both versions for comparison while carving. The best way to
    think in reverse is to use a wax or clay to examine your carving as
    you go. Straight beeswax is traditional, but I like using Crayola
    brand Model Magic clay. It is an air hardening clay that can be
    moistened to extend its working time. I keep the final impression as
    an archive of the carving. It comes in a variety of colors but I
    prefer red as it most closely resemble sealing wax. Start with
    blocking in the rough shapes and slowly add the finer details at the
    end. Go slower, take more breaks and more clay impressions as the
    work progresses. 

    Intaglio can be sandblasted or carved. I use the carving method. You
    can use a flex shaft, a micromotor, or a dental handpiece. I prefer
    diamond burrs, but nova wheels, carbide burrs, and mizzy wheels can
    also be used depending on the material. The cheap diamond plated
    point sets found in many hardware stores are good for beginners. You
    can move up to dental burrs from dental supply companies and then
    sintered burrs from Mt Mist. When carving it is vital to keep water
    on burr. This extends the life of the burr as well as keeping stone
    dust out of the air and hence your lungs. The amount of water needed
    is directly related to the intensity of the carving. During the
    initial blocking I have a forced stream of water directed at the
    burr, when carving the final details just a drop or two keeps the
    piece wet. 

    The last thing I do with an intaglio is repolish the surface to
    remove any scratches caused by a runaway burr and any edge chipping.
    This does wonders to make a carving look like a true work of art. 

    Good magnification and better lighting will contribute immensely to
    your success and comfort. Stay relaxed and have fun. 

    I spend a lot of time perusing "Ancient Gems and Finger Rings -
    Catalogue of the Collections - The J. Paul Getty Museum". Not cheap
    book, but a wonderfully inspiring collection of ancient intaglio
    carvings. 

    For those interested in gem carving or supporting gem carving I
    highly recommend GANA - the Gem Carvers of North America 

http://ganoksin.com/resources/detail-gem_artists_of_north_america_(gana)-1606.html

    .I directly attribute my advances as a glyptic artist and a
    businessman to this group of talented, sharing, like-minded people.
    In full disclosure I am an Artist member, a member of the Board of
    Directors, and their webmaster so I cheerfully proclaim my bias. 

    I hope this helps. If anyone has more specific questions please
    don't hesitate to ask. 

Epaul Fischer
Gryphon Song Creations
Signet rings and custom gem carvings
www.gemartist.com

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