My latest creations, I love simple clean lines

It always takes me longer to complete a jewelry project than I anticipate. Part of that is photography and listing. Etsy and Artfire constantly remind us to make sure our photography is first rate. They're right of course, more views are availabe on my Etsy and Arfire stores (links at the bottom of this post). Pictured below are a Rainforest Jasper ring, Sonoran Sunset pendant and Azurite Malachite pendant.

 

Pictured below are Lapis Lazui pendant and earrings and Citron Chrysoprase earrings

 

Pictured below are Petoskey Stone and Black Onyx pieces

 

And finally Labradorite and rare Laguna Agate earrings created for a special order (these last two items are not listed in my stores)

 

My ArtFire Store: http://www.artfire.com/users/lunarskies
My Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LunarSkiesJewelry?ref=pr_shop
My Jewelry: http://www.lunarskies.com
My Sculpture: http://www.lunarskies.com/pages1/fineart.html
My Cabochons: http://www.gemalchemy.comCreating The Hive Artisans Group: http://www.creatingthehive.com

Holy Guacamole, ThatsAlottaRocks! WIP Wednesday

I've finally got the first cut completed and can move on to cut number two. Pictured below is about 4-1/2 lbs. of cabochons, or one and a half Mason jars (only the best high tech equipment for me).

 

The first cut includes trimming the slabs and shaping the cabochons. It's really more of a grinding process. Cut number two uses a finer grit disc and is a refinement of the first cut. Once cut number two is completed the stones can be tumbled; a four stage process that also requires thoroughly washing each stone between tumbles. So there's still quite a bit of work to do before these beauties will be finished cabochons. Then there's the reality that about 15 to 20% of the stones will have to be re-cut or discarded due to imperfections (crazes or bugs) that were not visible before the tumbling began. Crazes are cracks or fissures, bugs are pits or voids. But the 80 to 85% that finish well will make it all worth while.

One of my next projects will be to update and market my gemstone website. You can visit that web site at: http://www.gemalchemy.com

My jewelry and sculpture web site: http://www.lunarskies.com