Opal & Gemstone Jewelry: Cutting*Designing*Setting (Perfect Paperback)

~ Paul B. Downing Ph.D. (Author)
Key Phrases: red designer wax, nugget dribbles, bezel wax, Gemstone Jewelry, Coober Pedy, Harry Leadthumb (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In his usual easy to understand method of writing, Paul downing has combined, expanded and updated two of his previous written books; Opal Cutting Made Easy and Opal Advanced Cutting & Setting into a new edition. The book assumes one is a beginner in cutting gemstones and takes the reader on a journey of cutting an opal or other gemstone material into a cabochon and then setting it into an original designed piece of jewelry. He does this through a series of sketches and photographs showing the required steps. The book is quite easy to read and one needs very little cutting, setting or wax creation experience to understand the steps. And although the experienced cutter, setter, designer might be a little bored by the step by step explanations, there are several hints provided by Dr. Downing based on his years of experience that make the reading worthwhile. The quality of the illustrations vary from beautiful colored photographs of opals to black and white photos and hand drawn sketches used to explain the key points the author is making. One feature which the I did not like was the placement of the colored photos in groups such that the reader is required to keep flipping back to the appropriate colored figure mentioned in the text. On the other hand, it is readily apparent that if that had been done the cost of producing this paperback rendering would have to have been increased considerably. The price of $29.95 is quite reasonable and the book serves as an excellent step by step instructional guide for the beginner, and frankly, as an excellent reminder to one who may be experienced in the three areas covered by the book; cutting, designing, and setting. --James V. Jolliff, GG; National Association of Jewelry Appraisers

Product Description

Looking for OPAL CUTTING MADE EASY and ADVANCED CUTTING & SETTING? Look no further. Paul Downing has utilized his 40 years as a cutter, designer, teacher and author of these titles as well as OPAL ID & VALUE, to create a book every lapidary enthusiast will want to own. These titles are included in an updated, revised and expanded title. Not just for the beginner, even advanced cutters will want to learn the tips and tricks included. Easy to follow directions...accompanied by 306 color/ black & white photos and diagrams...take the reader through each gemstone...Agates (moss and lace), Chrysoprase, Lapis, Petrified Wood, Tigereye, and, of course, OPAL! Each stone is taken from its rough stage through the final polishing via step-by-step instructions. Once the stone is complete, the next task of creating a piece of jewelry is approached. Beyond simply buying a commercial setting or having a designer commissioned, an alternative is offered...creating your own lost wax design. Again each step is outlined with photos and diagrams. If you follow along, you will have a piece of jewelry to be proud of. The author is the recipient of numerous cutting awards, is a welcomed lecturer in the industry, and an inductee of the Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame. All of his titles have received high praises for his easy to follow instructions and insights into the field of lapidary.

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Majestic Press, Inc.; 1st edition (September 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981733603
• ISBN-13: 978-0981733609
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,453 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Opal gem cuttings the what to do, and don't..., June 21, 2009

By	Sil "Silly's book world" (Media pa USA) - See all my reviews

Love this book on opal cutting and all. It is very clear and very well written, easy to reed.
When you are new to opal, like me, it give you the best info for what to do and what not.
There is al so a lot of info on other special gems and the how to's aswel, lots of good info in general aswel.