Board approves new faceting machine for Lapidary Studio

The GRF Board approved the purchase of a new $4,600 faceting machine for the Lapidary Studio in Clubhouse 4 at its April 28 meeting, upon the recommendation of the Member Services Committee. The cost will be covered from the reserve fund as it will replace an existing machine that no longer works.

A lapidary faceting machine is a precision tool used to cut, shape and polish flat surfaces (facets) onto raw gemstones, enhancing their brilliance, sparkle, and value.

Inside the Clubhouse 4 studio, the craft is both technical and hands-on. On April 30, Mutual 7 resident Bill Hayes, known as the studio’s “faceting master,” served as the on-duty volunteer supervisor. Seated with a reference book on stone identification and faceting techniques within reach, Hayes monitored a row of residents carefully grinding and shaping stones.

The machines can cut a wide variety of materials: natural stones, artificial stones, even glass—though not diamonds, according to Hayes. All five faceting work stations were in use that day.

Beginner faceting involves a lot of trial and error. A cut might lack symmetry; or the shape might fail to enhance a gem’s unique features. Mutual 6 Tania Allee, who worked diligently to achieve a chrysanthemum cut on a blue sapphire, said she has developed a pile of faceted, unused gemstones that didn’t come out just right.

“Even if the pieces don’t come out perfectly, we can use them for wire wrapping,” said Mutual 1 resident Judy Mulqueen, who was busy grinding the pointed end of a hazy gemstone on a low grit spinning wheel.

She used a Ultra Tec VL Classic Faceting Machine—the same model approved by the board.

“People see this machine and are intimidated,” Mulqueen said. “We teach them that it’s not hard—it’s fun. You just need focus and attention to detail.”

“And patience,” added fellow faceter Don Marsters, a Mutual 4 resident.

The well-appointed Lapidary Studio is located in Clubhouse 4 and hosts classes on wire wrapping, beading, silversmithing and enameling. The room offers large and small saws to cut rocks, sanders and grinders to shape rocks and equipment to cast silver, gold or brass from lost wax patterns, plus polishing tumblers, and ovens.

The Lapidary & Jewelry Club welcomes newcomers to learn how to work with precious stones and gems, glass, beads and silver.

The Lapidary Studio is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30noon, with supervisors available at all times. There is an extensive library available for members’ use. To view the entire GRF Board meeting, visit lwsb.com.

Mutual 6 resident Tania Allee uses a faceting machine to develop a chrysanthemum cut on a blue sapphire.