Semiprecious stone work

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:42 am

I've never actually been rock hounding, but I do save the interesting stuff I find when I prospect.

I work with semiprecious stones. I make and sell pendants, earrings, etc. Strickly a hobby. I do a few craft shows every year so I can afford more rocks. I have a 16" slab saw, a 7" saw, several tumblers, diamond bandsaw. I also have a half a ton of rough in my basement. I'm always up for some rock trading.

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:25 pm

Got any pictures of your work that you'd like to share?

Here's one I bought for my wife.

I'm in the gathering stage right now and I have been buying cabs and I'm gonna set them myself.

I always look at the large stone as I'm running them through the HB to see if I have anything worth keeping.

Dickb

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 2:06 pm

I suppose I need to finally get around to learning how to post pictures. I bought a new camcorder Friday so I have another incentive.

I'd love to have a cab machine, but its way down on the priority list.

I shape the stones before I tumble them. I call them tumble polished cabs. I have roughly 350 finished pendants and another 250 to 300 in various stages of tumbling right now. I have some pic that I use when I sign up for craft shows. I only do juried craft shows, never flea markets. Maybe I'll see if I can find them and post a couple.

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 8:33 pm

nice boulder opal.

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:05 pm

I seen it on Dan and Denise's site and had to get it for Ma for our anniversary.

I think it turned out well and Ma really liked it. Now I'm collecting finished cabs and putting my gear together so I can make my own.

I got bit by the bug last Easter when I was at Thermal city and saw all the garnets and a few small sapphires showing up in my sluice.

We don't have a lot of gold here in IA, but we got rocks.

Dickb

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:14 pm

I got numerous pieces from Dan and Denise for my wife during some of their auctions, nice stuff!!

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