joecollins
off to a rocking start
Hounding the mojave desert throughout winter.
Member since January 2020
Posts: 10
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Post by joecollins on Jan 7, 2020 22:54:41 GMT -5
 I was hoping someone could help me with cutting this Kunzite. I collected it from Pala King mine in Pala California during an advanced dig outing a couple of years ago. I would like to get this faceted . Thanks for your help. |
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Post by pauls on Jan 11, 2020 21:15:58 GMT -5
Hi Joe I have been hanging back on this hoping that someone local would know someone, sadly it doesn't look like it. I am in Australia so not much use to you. For what it's worth you might be best to try the US facetors Guild. usfacetersguild.org/Be aware that faceting is a labour intensive craft, it can take many many hours to facet a gem and the prices for the work can be quite high, usually calculated per Carat. $50 to $60 per Carat is usual here. Another thing, you do realise you will lose gem weight, expect maybe 2/3 of the stone to go down the drain as mud. That's not a hard and fast rule but I know of people who have been very angry that they started with a 5 Carat stone and the end product was 2 Carats. That's why I don't do contract cutting, unreal expectations and people calling you a thief for stealing 3 Carats of their gem. It used to be common to refer people to the Thai cutters Lamberts, they did a fair job and their prices were low but recently I have been hearing horror stories. You could try Aster Gems another Thai (I think) company, I have had no dealings with them and haven't heard of anyone using them, Lamberts were getting everything from my circle of acquaintances. astergem.com/I hope that helps. lovely Gem by the way, I would love to see how it turns out. |
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,059 
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 12, 2020 2:09:24 GMT -5
Kunzite is a very tricky gem to cut. It has perfect cleavage in two directions, making breakage a serious possibility. It has to be oriented very carefully by a knowledgeable cutter. Just be sure whatever cutter you choose has experience with Kunzite/spodumene and its nature. Lots of facetors shy away from tackling it, so good communication with your cutter is strongly recommended.
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joecollins
off to a rocking start
Hounding the mojave desert throughout winter.
Member since January 2020
Posts: 10
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Post by joecollins on Jan 12, 2020 11:27:53 GMT -5
Thanks, I agree this is a challenging material that needs expertise. I want a small cut from this and am willing to sacrifice all of this stone for that cut. I am trying to put together 3 cut stones to create a "Trinity ring" this will be a special ring for my wife and later for my daughter. This will consist of kunzite, aquamarine and pink tourmaline.
I have looked locally at gem clubs and have yet to find someone with good experience cutting kunzite.
This stone appears clear but is violet on its C-axsis.
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Post by aDave on Jan 12, 2020 14:00:45 GMT -5
joecollins, I don't know if she can help or not, but Michelle micellular is one member here who has always produced photos of some pretty stunning work she's done. She was last on the site on 01-02-2020, so she has not yet seen your post requesting assistance. Here is her last thread here which has some examples of what she's done. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/87026/2019-faceted-stones-health-updateAccording to her update, it appears she has a presence on Instagram (@mvmgems) where you might be able to sign up and contact her. Your timing might be good, as her Instagram site has a note that she was suspending custom work until 2020. If you don't do Instagram, let us know here, and perhaps a user can help you reach her. I'd be more than happy to help with that, but I don't do Instagram myself. Good luck.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Jan 12, 2020 16:02:07 GMT -5
Thanks, I agree this is a challenging material that needs expertise. I want a small cut from this and am willing to sacrifice all of this stone for that cut. I am trying to put together 3 cut stones to create a "Trinity ring" this will be a special ring for my wife and later for my daughter. This will consist of kunzite, aquamarine and pink tourmaline. I have looked locally at gem clubs and have yet to find someone with good experience cutting kunzite. This stone appears clear but is violet on its C-axsis. Kunzite does not make a good stone for rings. It can't take the bumps and bangs that rings are subjected too. The cleavage plane problems and internal stresses of Kunzite limit it's practical uses and can make it difficult to set without damaging. In some cases it can even shatter on the dop stick while cutting under normal cutting and polishing circumstances. More suited for pendants, earrings and collector stones but even more so for specimens. Larry C. |
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,059
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 12, 2020 16:22:22 GMT -5
If micellular can't do the work you need, here are some other precision facetors you might contact. Matt Dunkle, mattdunkle@yahoo.com Lloyd Forrester, clearcutgems.com/service.htmlBoth do custom precision faceting. Gemologist Peter Torraca used to do custom work and he's very good. This is his old email and it may or may not still function: ptgems@gmail.com |
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joecollins
off to a rocking start
Hounding the mojave desert throughout winter.
Member since January 2020
Posts: 10
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Post by joecollins on Jan 14, 2020 10:23:56 GMT -5
[/quote]
Kunzite does not make a good stone for rings. It can't take the bumps and bangs that rings are subjected too. The cleavage plane problems and internal stresses of Kunzite limit it's practical uses and can make it difficult to set without damaging. In some cases it can even shatter on the dop stick while cutting under normal cutting and polishing circumstances. More suited for pendants, earrings and collector stones but even more so for specimens.
Larry C. [/quote]
All due respect Larry but this is my project. Normal cutting and polishing will not be acceptable which is why I'm looking for a professional.
I'm glad you think you've informed someone who doesn't know the properties and durability of Kunzite or it's practicality in jewelery. However your suggestion is not going to be taken into consideration. This project is a ring project and will stay a ring project. It has personal significance. This ring won't be used to shovel gravel it will be a show piece and for special occasions. I know that it is not ideal for normal wear rings. Despite thousands of kunzite rings in the market. This will be more art than jewelery.
I have many specimens of kunzite and spodumene none compare to this stone.
Thanks for your concerns on MY project but I have already considered these concerns myself. This has been designed for 3 years now. I have hunted kunzite for 15 years and have known it's difficulties in cutting for the same amount of time.
I know this project can be and will be done. I know what I have and again I am well aware of the difficulties and fragility of this.
Do whatever you want with your kunzite I'll do what I want with mine.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2020 13:18:31 GMT -5
All due respect Larry but this is my project. Not sure why you took offense, but Larry raised a perfectly valid point. We're all quite aware that you have every right to put a piece of soapstone into a ring setting if wish. Fine if you already knew that it is problematical, but your "all due respect" affectation was neither necessary, appropriate or constructive. While you may know all about kunzite's fragility, others reading here may not be aware of its drawbacks. |
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Jan 14, 2020 13:39:38 GMT -5
Kunzite does not make a good stone for rings. It can't take the bumps and bangs that rings are subjected too. The cleavage plane problems and internal stresses of Kunzite limit it's practical uses and can make it difficult to set without damaging. In some cases it can even shatter on the dop stick while cutting under normal cutting and polishing circumstances. More suited for pendants, earrings and collector stones but even more so for specimens. Larry C. All due respect Larry but this is my project. Normal cutting and polishing will not be acceptable which is why I'm looking for a professional. I'm glad you think you've informed someone who doesn't know the properties and durability of Kunzite or it's practicality in jewelery. However your suggestion is not going to be taken into consideration. This project is a ring project and will stay a ring project. It has personal significance. This ring won't be used to shovel gravel it will be a show piece and for special occasions. I know that it is not ideal for normal wear rings. Despite thousands of kunzite rings in the market. This will be more art than jewelery. I have many specimens of kunzite and spodumene none compare to this stone. Thanks for your concerns on MY project but I have already considered these concerns myself. This has been designed for 3 years now. I have hunted kunzite for 15 years and have known it's difficulties in cutting for the same amount of time. I know this project can be and will be done. I know what I have and again I am well aware of the difficulties and fragility of this. Do whatever you want with your kunzite I'll do what I want with mine. Yikes. |
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Post by knave on Jan 14, 2020 13:59:09 GMT -5
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Post by knave on Jan 14, 2020 14:01:39 GMT -5
I’m taking my kunzite home now  |
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Post by knave on Jan 14, 2020 14:02:57 GMT -5
If micellular can't do the work you need, here are some other precision facetors you might contact. Matt Dunkle, mattdunkle@yahoo.com Lloyd Forrester, clearcutgems.com/service.htmlBoth do custom precision faceting. Gemologist Peter Torraca used to do custom work and he's very good. This is his old email and it may or may not still function: ptgems@gmail.com This post was completely helpful and information filled. Why not talk about this one? |
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EricD
Cave Dweller
High in the Mountains
Member since November 2019
Posts: 1,142
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Post by EricD on Jan 14, 2020 14:11:02 GMT -5
I wonder how many facetors would take the job after reading this thread. If I was one I most certainly would just walk away.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Jan 14, 2020 17:38:47 GMT -5
Geez, a simple thank you for your concerns and information, but the ring has a special meaning and I am aware of these things, would’ve been a better response. Hopefully someone will find the information valuable and be grateful.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jan 14, 2020 18:06:31 GMT -5
I wonder how many facetors would take the job after reading this thread. If I was one I most certainly would just walk away. Were I a facetor, I'd walk away from this potential customer as well. I don't think anyone can do this job to his satisfaction. What pressure! As far as I'm concerned, he can just hold onto the stone for another three years. |
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micellular
has rocks in the head
Rock fever is curable with more rocks.
Member since September 2015
Posts: 640
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Post by micellular on Jan 14, 2020 20:20:37 GMT -5
Hi, and thanks for remembering me! I don't have first hand experience with kunzite, though I've watched three stones shatter on my partner's dop and am not going to risk it on anyone's kunzite any time soon.
I know of Peter Torranca, Lloyd Forrester, and Matt Dunkle by reputation, and all do excellent work, though I don't know if they will work with client kunzite.
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gemfeller
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Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,059
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Post by gemfeller on Jan 14, 2020 20:39:10 GMT -5
Hi, and thanks for remembering me! I don't have first hand experience with kunzite, though I've watched three stones shatter on my partner's dop and am not going to risk it on anyone's kunzite any time soon. I know of Peter Torranca, Lloyd Forrester, and Matt Dunkle by reputation, and all do excellent work, though I don't know if they will work with client kunzite. , neither do I. That's why I suggested that the OP contact them directly. And it appears no good deed goes unpunished, judging from the OP's last post. I totally agree with QuailRiver about Kunzite as a ring stone, but it's not for me to make decisions for others. It's good to see you here again. Give us an update on what you've been up to. You've come a long way from hand-polishing cabs while waiting in airports for flights. |
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micellular
has rocks in the head
Rock fever is curable with more rocks.
Member since September 2015
Posts: 640
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Post by micellular on Jan 16, 2020 18:41:07 GMT -5
gemfeller Will do! I'm headed to Tucson again in a few weeks, so perhaps I'll do a 2019 retrospective + trip report when I'm back. TLDR I been a busy busy bee and faceted over one stone a day last year! Many teeny, but still!
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 17, 2020 11:44:56 GMT -5
gemfeller Will do! I'm headed to Tucson again in a few weeks, so perhaps I'll do a 2019 retrospective + trip report when I'm back. TLDR I been a busy busy bee and faceted over one stone a day last year! Many teeny, but still! Can't wait!!!!! Have a great time!
I have been seeing her work on instagram guys, we are in for a treat.  |
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