hi all, can anyone recommend a good gem cutter preferably in Brisbane? Have some various stones, topaz and sapphire I have been sitting on since my fossicking phase. i have had a couple of sapphires cut while on the gemfields bit have had a bad experience with sending stone away. There are a couple of larger ones I want to get cut, but want to be sure they are done by a skilled and reputable cutter for the best result. Any recommendations appreciated, cheers. Spil
I'd also like to know of any good cutters around... I've got a few Madagascar Rubies, Opals & Sapphires I need cut and my old cutter died! (Granted, he was 92!) Any help most appreciated!
I'd highly recommend getting in touch with Norths Lapidary Club in Nudgee - if you can't find a top notch cutter there, they'll know someone. Might also be worth speaking to the guys at The Rock Shop - their retail stones are extortionate but in terms of contacts, its worth it! Addresses: http://www.nblc.com.au/ https://plus.google.com/116955954442226270509/about?gl=au&hl=en Hope that helps, RD
There is no short cut to quality lapidary work. When I cut a stone, it's normally about 10 hours work per stone. That's why now-a-days, I cut only select large pieces of quality stone (ie Aquamarine and Tourmaline). Sapphire being harder, and needing different material to cut, is always a little more work. For small stones, or more common material, one can't go past sending it away to the likes of Lamberts. At about $1 US per carat cut, one can't compete. However, the quality of cutting is always much poorer. My guidelines.............. if expensive quality rough, then I cut myself. If unique large pieces for personal presents (attention), then I cut myself. If small stones or cheap material (ie topaz, garnet, zircon), then I send it away for cutting. cheers, Luke
