I like to inlay stones into stones using shapes other than simple rounds that can be done with drills and stone cylinders. Opal actually improves its look when inlaid into black jade, as shown in this brooch. It is the same as a doublet.

Most of the materials used in the gemstone carving workstation, which we'll tackle first, can be obtained almost for free by simply recycling them.

Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when doing any carving or polishing of gemstones; tie long hair back; and avoid loose clothing on your arms when using the cabbing machine.

For more information about my work, see “Drama in a Quarter Square Inch,” page 22 in the September 1998 Lapidary Journal.

Buy this project as an instant reprint! Details
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Price: $4.00

5-gallon plastic bucket (white or translucent) 48" of 1/2" garden hose 14" wooden 2 X 4 Scissors Razor knife Silicone adhesive 6 1-1/2" drywall screws (coarse thread) 2-quart plastic pitcher Drain valve Plastic tubing to match size on drain valve Saber saw Electric drill Drill bits Black jade rough	Opal rough Slab/trim saw Lapidary cabbing machine Flexible-shaft machine Diamond carving points Phenolic points Flexible discs Diamond compounds Carving workstation Aluminum pencil Safety glasses Black epoxy Dust mask Sapphire powder Muslin buff Dop stick Cryoanalyte adhesive
For information on supplies, please see the Annual Buyers' Directory.

 

Don McCoy is an Anza, California-based jeweler.