After an interstate relocation, our studio in the western suburbs of Melbourne has just been set up again in January 2025.

Our faceting machine is an Australian hand-built unit (I’m told from the 70’s). Speed is adjusted by changing belts (just 4 settings). The hard stop and light indicator are a simple clip-on circuit using a pair of D size batteries. The angle indicator is analogue and just relies on “using your eyes”. The digital gauge is used to keep everything level and true. It uses 6 inch laps, the Lightning Laps in particular which have been fantastic for tourmaline and sapphires.

As well as faceting, we run a basic single barrel Lortone tumbler for progressive polishing of river-worn stones, and a Dremel for fine carving work.

A selection of our very first facetted material including sapphires from Wee Jasper NSW, Wello Opal, Citrine, Moonstone, Australian Garnet and Amethyst.

Shaping and polishing of small Australian opal “chips”, sourced direct from White Cliffs and Lightning Ridge NSW. Destined to become components of rings or small stud earrings