SHIELD OF THE HEART DESIGN

Learning to facet gemstones can be rewarding and fascinating. The best way to get started is by taking faceting lessons, using current reference materials, having a mentor and dedicating the time necessary to practice the skills needed to master the art.

- MARK OROS

FACETING LESSONS

Faceting lessons are available from a variety of places, including private and group lessons, lapidary clubs, faceting guilds and online tutorials. Lessons are a great way to learn the basics and avoid forming bad habits. Once you learn the basics, using your faceting machine manual and Tom Herbst’s book, Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials and the Twelve Easy Gemstone Faceting Designs, you will be on your way with your gemstone faceting journey.

In this edition of Faceting Focus, we use the Shield of the Heart design in golden citrine. The design comes from the book Twelve Easy Gemstone Faceting Designs, A Guide for the Beginner Gemcutter. The book was written as an exercise for beginner faceters. The Shield of the Heart design is the eighth design in the book. It is an interesting design that develops the beginner’s skills by having the facets meet at points. It creates a beautiful gemstone performance with only 31 facets.