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Post by stephan on Jan 3, 2022 11:09:01 GMT -5
I wonder what % of sold cabs get set into jewelry I "set" about half the ones I sell, but it's like this:  IMG_6853_Back of a Crazy Lace Agate cab by Stephan T., on Flickr So, it doesn't matter much whether my girdle is perfect. It just needs to be visually straight enough. No idea, though, what happens to all the loose ones. I know a few customers have said they'd wrap, but I think at least some end up as pocket rocks or display pieces. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 3, 2022 13:08:30 GMT -5
True that if you are not bezel setting a stone the girdle is not an issue, at least in that regard. Some types of wire wrapping also lend themselves to a consistent perimeter on the cab. Personally, if the stone is drilled or a glue on bail used, I refer to it as a focal bead, and do not consider it a cabochon.
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Post by stardiamond on Jan 3, 2022 13:30:31 GMT -5
I don't create a bezel unless the bottom edge is chipped. I think I do a girdle to maintain the bottom edge when doming. About 1/3 of my sales are to silversmiths who are repeat buyers and seem to be satisfied with how I cut cabs.
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Jan 3, 2022 14:50:25 GMT -5
I do so a majority of the time.
Always on harder stones like agate and PW. Always on high dome cabs.
Less often on turquoise and free hand low dome cabs
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Post by stephan on Jan 3, 2022 17:28:31 GMT -5
True that if you are not bezel setting a stone the girdle is not an issue, at least in that regard. Some types of wire wrapping also lend themselves to a consistent perimeter on the cab. Personally, if the stone is drilled or a glue on bail used, I refer to it as a focal bead, and do not consider it a cabochon. Apples and oranges. “Cabochon” refers to the cut of the stone (rounded top and flat obverse, as opposed to faceted). A focal bead refers to the use, and can be a cabochon, a faceted stone or any shape/material. I’ll agree that a drilled cab can be used as a focal bead, but it needs to be drilled to be a bead. |
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Post by Starguy on Jan 3, 2022 18:48:33 GMT -5
I do a girdle line on all calibrated cabs. Star material looks better without a girdle .I guess I should reconsider my vote. Agate 100%. Star material 0%.
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Post by stephan on Jan 3, 2022 19:13:46 GMT -5
I do a girdle line on all calibrated cabs. Star material looks better without a girdle .I guess I should reconsider my vote. Agate 100%. Star material 0%. Dos that mean that for star material, you do a “classic” cab, with the dome all the way to the bottom edge? |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 3, 2022 19:14:08 GMT -5
I do a girdle line on all calibrated cabs. Star material looks better without a girdle .I guess I should reconsider my vote. Agate 100%. Star material 0%. Sounds like a "sometimes" vote.  |
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Post by Starguy on Jan 3, 2022 20:00:21 GMT -5
I do a girdle line on all calibrated cabs. Star material looks better without a girdle .I guess I should reconsider my vote. Agate 100%. Star material 0%. Dos that mean that for star material, you do a “classic” cab, with the dome all the way to the bottom edge? Yes exactly. Bottom bevel only on star material. It’s funny rockjunquie called me on it. I haven’t cut any star garnet for years. I’m kind of focused on agate and jasper right now. I’ve worked on everything from tumbling to faceting. The dome on star material is what creates the star. I have pounds for trade. You kind of have to be set up for small cabs, (10-12 mm). The most satisfying cabs I have done were star garnets. I do a girdle line on all my non-star cabs. |
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Post by Pat on Jan 3, 2022 20:26:24 GMT -5
When you mentioned girdle, I thought of something else….
In reference to your lapidary girdle, I do draw that line.
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Post by Starguy on Jan 3, 2022 20:28:17 GMT -5
When you mentioned girdle, I thought of something else…. In reference to your lapidary girdle, I do draw that line. You’re so funny Pat . My wife thinks that way too. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 8, 2022 9:46:37 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for participating! I wouldn't have thought it, but it looks like most people do NOT draw a girdle line.
I don't because I dop the back side of my preform and cab it all the way through like that. It doesn't leave the dop till I put it in the freezer. I wouldn't want to stop and draw the line. So, really, I'm just lazy. LOL!
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 8, 2022 10:16:53 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for participating! I wouldn't have thought it, but it looks like most people do NOT draw a girdle line.
I don't because I dop the back side of my preform and cab it all the way through like that. It doesn't leave the dop till I put it in the freezer. I wouldn't want to stop and draw the line. So, really, I'm just lazy. LOL!
I was surprised at the outcome of the poll as well! I have been completely shaping my preforms on the trim saw. Cutting them out...then "grinding" them to final shape with the edge of the blade. This way, I can draw the girdle line on them prior to even getting dopped. |
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