• Amethyst Gemstones

  • Ametrine Gemstones

  • Aquamarine Gems

  • Alexandrite Gems

  • Garnet Gems

  • Tanzanite gemstone antique cushion cut mostly blue

    Gem Cutting for Beginners

    In this series of videos, master gem cutter, Steve Moriarty, shows you how to do everything from identifying inclusions to faceting and polishing your gemstones using a faceting machine.

    This is an in-depth series and absolutely free for the public! It goes through the seven most important steps to cutting a gemstone. And if you have questions on the machine that Steve uses to cut, you can find afull review of the Ultra Tec V5 gem cutting machine here.If you have questions about any steps along the way, make sure to post them in the Youtube comment section and don't forget to follow us!You can watch our entire selection of gem cutting videos here.

    Morganite Before & After

    One of the largest morganites ever cut. Done by master gem cutter, Steve Moriarty. These are things you will learn throughout the free courses online with Steve Moriarty.
    Before
    After

    Over 200,000 Fans on YouTube

    Our expertise, innovative designs, and distinctive cutting style have enabled us to grow our YouTube presence to over 200,000 subscribers.

    Free Online Gem Cutting Courses

    Gem Cutting Essentials

    Learn the essentials to gem cutting in this beginner series with Steve Moriarty.

    Start This Course

    Mastering Gem Cutting

    Follow along as Steve Moriarty cuts one of the largest Morganites ever.

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    Cutting & Polishing Gems

    Join Steve Moriarty as he takes you through the process of cutting and polishing.

    Start This Course
    Antique Cushion Chrome Tourmaline

    Ultra Tec v5

    This is the machine Steve Moriarty recommends for gem cutting. You can watch the unboxing and set up to decide if this is the right machine for you!

    Gem Cutting & Faceting for Beginners

    Cutting gemstones can be an exciting and rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced lapidary artist. There are several techniques and tools you can use to cut and polish gemstones at home, including free faceting diagrams, faceting machines, and hand-cutting tools.

    One of the first steps to faceting gemstones is to choose a faceting diagram. Faceting diagrams are like blueprints that show you how to cut your gemstone into specific shapes and angles. You can find free faceting diagrams online or purchase them from lapidary supply stores.

    Once you have your faceting diagram, you can begin to prepare your gemstone for cutting. If you are working with an amethyst crystal, for example, you will need to first clean it and remove any dirt or debris from the surface. You can then use a saw or other cutting tool to shape the rough stone into a more manageable size and shape.

    When you are ready to start cutting, you can use a faceting machine to create precise facets on your gemstone. Faceting machines use a rotating lap and a series of diamond-tipped cutting disks to shape and polish the gemstone. Some popular brands of faceting machines include Ultra Tec and Facetron.

    If you prefer to hand-cut your gemstones, you can use tools like a trim saw, a cabochon machine, or a dremel tool with diamond cutting disks. Hand-cutting can take longer than using a faceting machine, but it can also be a more affordable option for those who are just starting out.

    After you have cut your gemstone, you can then polish it to a high shine using a polishing wheel or polishing compound. Gemstones can also be carved or shaped using lapidary techniques, such as engraving or intaglio carving.

    There are many resources available online for learning how to cut and polish gemstones, including faceting videos, lapidary tutorials, and gem faceting tutorials for beginners. Whether you are interested in faceting, carving, or cabochon cutting, there are many ways to get started with gemstone cutting and polishing.

    Hours & Location

    Moriarty's Gem Art Retail Store
    126 South Main St
    Crown Point, Indiana 46307
    219-662-1390

    Limited Showroom Hours
    Tuesday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
    Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM

    Available by Phone & Email
    Tuesday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
    Wednesday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thursday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
    Friday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
    Saturday 9:00AM - 3:00PM
    Sunday CLOSED
    Monday CLOSED