Education, Tips, and Techniques for the Modern Gem Cutter
Learn how to grade facet rough, assess gemstone investment potential, and understand AAA facet rough standards with Jackson’s Gems. We break down our 5-Tier Grading System, clarity metrics like IF and VVS, and how to identify high-yield investment-grade gemstones based on shape, saturation, and the Clean Sawn advantage. The difference between a hobbyist maintaining a […]
Essential lapidary safety equipment guidelines from Jackson’s Gems. Learn professional techniques for preventing silicosis in gem cutting, the critical importance of a GFCI for faceting machines, and how to properly manage stone dust and water cooling in a professional lapidary workspace. Creating world-class gemstones should never come at the expense of your health or safety. […]
Learn how to orient tourmaline rough and understand pleochroism in gemstones with Jackson’s Gems. As an authority in fine faceting materials, we provide the best faceting rough for sale by testing the C-axis of every dichroic stone we carry to guarantee maximum yield and saturation. The Jackson’s Gems Standard We refuse to sell “dead” stones. […]
Learn how to visually grade gemstone rough with Jackson’s Gems. We provide the best faceting rough for sale by meticulously evaluating clarity, yield, and C-axis transmission. This high-authority guide breaks down how to grade gemstone rough using professional techniques like loupe inspection for silk, determining geometric yield over carat weight, and assessing Tourmaline color saturation. […]
Jackson’s Gems has been sourcing and evaluating fine rough since 2001. This high-authority guide provides essential lapidary equipment recommendations for professional faceters, including faceting machines, brand-name laps, doping techniques, and advanced water cooling methods using the ‘Buy Once, Cry Once’ philosophy. This technical guide moves beyond the basics to provide the “Buy Once, Cry Once” […]