Buying, Cutting and Evaluating Rough Gemstones
What to consider when considering buying rough gemstones and how to decide what cutting technique is best.
Getting the Best Gem Yield from a Crystal
Cutting crystals for the best gem yield is a critical skill for faceters. This walkthrough can help novices learn how...
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How to Identify Synthetic Rough in Gemstone Parcels
Telling synthetic rough from natural stones in a gem parcel can be challenging. These tips can help you find some...
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Choosing and Orienting Rough Gemstones
Selecting and orienting rough gems can be challenging for new faceters. These tips can help you choose the right tools...
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A Look at African Paraíba Tourmaline Rough
Distinguishing African paraíba from Brazilian paraíba tourmalines is difficult. This gallery showcases bright neon specimens from Nigeria.
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Aquamarine Color and Heat Treatment
There's more to aquamarine color than blue. Most natural stones start blueish green and are heated to blue. Learn the...
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The Minimum Cutting Technique for Gemstones
The minimum cutting technique will help you get the largest gems possible from rough. Learn how to deal with internal...
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A Faceter’s Guide to Rough Gem Stress
Gem stress can cause stones to break during faceting. Learn what techniques may reduce the odds of fracturing and how...
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How to Estimate Rough Gemstone Value
Can you tell if gem rough is too expensive? Learn how to estimate rough gemstone value by considering your gem...
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What Faceted Stone Sizes Will Sell Best?
How can a custom gem faceter compete with commercial cutting houses? Learn how cut stone sizes, gem quality, and expert...
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Gemstone Care Guide
Our gemstone care guide covers many popular gems. Learn how best to maintain your gemstone jewelry and what kinds of...
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Gem Rough Orientation: Looking Beyond the Obvious Cut
Gem rough orientation isn't always simple. Sometimes the obvious cut may not be the best choice. Learn how orienting rough...
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A Faceter’s Guide To Dark Saturated Rough Gems
Can you turn dark saturated rough gems into facetable material? Learn how to pick the right cuts and heat treatments...
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Buying Gemstones in Afghanistan: A Beginner’s Guide
Considering buying gems in Afghanistan? Learn which Afghan gemstones to seek out, which to avoid, and prepare for a “buyer...
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Figuring Rough Cost
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. Figuring rough cost on Just...
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Perspective on the Gem Rough Market
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on the gem rough market. Read more on some very important perspective to be...
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Supply of Gemstones and Rough
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics on Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are to How...
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Siberite Tourmaline Material
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions and thoughts on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See what his answers are...
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Cut Stones Cost
Jeff R Graham shares his opinions on various topics in Just Ask Jeff. See his answers to Why is some...
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Commercial and Rough Stone Prices
Jeff R Graham shares about commercial and rough stone prices. See his answers to Why does rough cost almost as...
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Customer Multiple Orders and Returns
Just Ask Jeff shares his frustrations on customer multiple orders and returns which is a common customer problems among rough...
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Profit Making from Rough Gems
Just Ask Jeff answers "Can I make money cutting that rough?". Profit making from rough gems is an important issue...
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