gemfeller
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,063 
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Post by gemfeller on Jun 30, 2020 10:53:08 GMT -5
I've been dipping into my old hoard of Laguna agate, which I consider to be one of Nature's wonders. Not only is it beautiful but it's also a pleasure to cut. Which of these shapes do you folks prefer? Laguna Freeform  Laguna Pear  |
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 30, 2020 10:59:55 GMT -5
Nice framing of the pattern on both. The best decision I made recently was to buy a template that has a lot of the shapes not found on the regular templates. The more choices available to frame with the better. The pear and the fat pear are two of my favorites.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 30, 2020 11:11:03 GMT -5
Those are gorgeous!!!! I prefer the pear.
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Post by miket on Jun 30, 2020 12:09:59 GMT -5
On these particular cabs I think the pear looks best also, but I like freeform shapes as well. Even though sometimes they're a little harder for me to wrap.
Very nice work!
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Post by MsAli on Jun 30, 2020 12:12:49 GMT -5
I love both of them
The pear looks like you're walking towards a cave opening
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Post by drocknut on Jun 30, 2020 15:25:14 GMT -5
The pear shape is my pick. It just seems to look better.
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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 Jun 30, 2020 17:29:20 GMT -5
The pear shaped one does it for me too. The echoed image effect that gives several layers of depth is just awesome.
Without that pattern though, I'm not so sure. The other rock in a pear shape wouldn't likely be as nice as the shape it is now.
Nice job with both, I would say!
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Post by opalpyrexia on Jun 30, 2020 17:35:58 GMT -5
Beautiful! As a metalsmith, I prefer the freeform and its off-center pattern. I think that it offers a greater range of unique design possibilities. Symmetry is nice, but give me a well-designed freeform like that one.
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Post by Pat on Jun 30, 2020 17:50:07 GMT -5
They are both perfect for the cab you did them on. I wouldn’t use the pear on the first cab, or the freeform on the second cab. Verrry nice!
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Post by toiv0 on Jun 30, 2020 18:22:34 GMT -5
I like both equally
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Post by knave on Jun 30, 2020 19:49:54 GMT -5
The pear is a stunning piece, shape mated to pattern and symmetrical to boot.
As far as the shape alone I would prefer the free form.
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kyoti
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2020
Posts: 542
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Post by kyoti on Jun 30, 2020 20:21:26 GMT -5
I'd say I like both styles. I love the freeform but the second one really shows off the stone. Each one would appeal to a different jewelry style/ setting, I think.
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billdean
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2020
Posts: 153
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Post by billdean on Jun 30, 2020 21:10:23 GMT -5
The pair one is wonderful.
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Post by victor1941 on Jun 30, 2020 21:46:45 GMT -5
I initially liked the pear but feel the cab should be determined by the most artistic shape the slab allows to be cut. The free form might be more desired by a designer as Opalpyrexia said because of greater design possibilities. Both cabs are superb!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 30, 2020 23:09:13 GMT -5
Oh my word, those are gorgeous, Rick! 
I like the preform best out of the two. I don't know why, I just like the shape better.
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Post by fernwood on Jul 1, 2020 5:14:26 GMT -5
The free form does it for me.
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jul 1, 2020 7:55:00 GMT -5
The freeform for me. Like the balance between the vug on the right and the two orby spots on the left.
Pear shape pattern would've won my vote if not for the "missing" part at top right.
Laguna / Crazy Lace are great, but drive me nuts when trying to find balance in the patterns.
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herb
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 476
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Post by herb on Jul 1, 2020 13:00:11 GMT -5
I like them both, but would have to say the pear wins. It reminds me of one of those fun house mirror rooms where you see an infinite number of reflections one inside the other.
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jul 5, 2020 9:49:36 GMT -5
Okay, Rick - it's been a few days - which one do YOU like best...?
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,063
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 5, 2020 13:15:37 GMT -5
Vince, From a jewelry design standpoint I like the freeform best. The elements in this particular stone create a more dynamic yet visually balanced theme that in my mind at least, is a springboard to lots of different design possibilities.
I like the pear too but it's not quite as exciting to me. It's more conventional, with fewer design options. While not apparent in my images, it's quite a bit larger than the freeform so that could make a statement all on its own. As a cabochon I think all the colors and patterns work very well.
My request for opinions was part of a little personal research project. I'm finding my own preferences don't always synch with others I respect and I really appreciate all the likes and comments in the thread. I learned a lot from it. Thanks everone.
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