Lapidary Polishing using Diamond Compounds
Lapidary is the art of cutting, shaping, and polishing stones and other hard materials to create jewelry, decorative objects, and sculptures. This craft requires specialised tools and techniques, which is why many jewellers outsource lapidary work to specialists. However, with the right attachments and polishing compounds, beginners can handle nearly every job a full-scale lapidary unit can with a flex shaft or micromotor.
Why Use Diamond Paste for Lapidary Polishing?
The use of diamond paste in lapidary polishing has several benefits. Firstly, diamond paste is highly effective in polishing hard materials like quartz, corundum, and topaz, which can be challenging to work with using traditional polishing compounds. Diamond paste can also be used to achieve a high level of polish on softer materials like jade, turquoise, and lapis lazuli, which can be difficult to achieve with traditional polishing compounds. Another benefit of diamond paste is that it is highly precise, allowing lapidary artists to achieve intricate designs and shapes with greater accuracy. The fine diamond particles in the paste can reach even the smallest crevices and angles on the surface of the material being polished, resulting in a more uniform and consistent finish. This precision is especially important in the creation of faceted gemstones, where the angles and facets need to be polished to a high degree of accuracy. Diamond paste is also highly durable, which means that it can be used repeatedly without losing its effectiveness. Unlike traditional polishing compounds, which can wear out quickly and need to be replaced frequently, diamond paste can be used for multiple polishing sessions, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Lapidary Polishing with Diamond Paste
When it comes to lapidary work that serves general purposes, one typically makes use of a fast-running handpiece equipped with diamond burs to drill through hard materials like stone. Once the drilling is done, the stone is polished using diamond pastes or compounds charged on felt, wood, or leather attachments. Although this process can be messy and loud, the end result is worth the effort. One of the most important aspects of lapidary polishing is choosing the right polishing compound. This decision depends on what material you are cutting, how hard the material is, and whether the compound might stain or damage the material. There are two main types of polishing compounds: oil-soluble and water-soluble.
Water-soluble compounds work well on most materials, but they can rust your tools over time. Steel and water do not mix well, so even with careful usage, steel mandrels may eventually rust. On the other hand, oil-soluble compounds alleviate this problem and work particularly well on difficult-to-polish materials such as rhyolite, ruby, and sapphire, as well as stones with mixed areas of softness or hardness. Oil-soluble compounds flow more easily over stones and are less likely to “grab,” which is a common problem with water-soluble compounds.
To initiate the process of lapidary polishing, it is recommended to employ Diamond Compound Type L. This entails utilising four specific micron grades, including 45 micron and 25 micron for the purpose of shaping, 14 micron for polishing, and finally, 1 micron to attain a superior level of polish.
To use the Diamond Compound, begin by squirting lubricating fluid into a small dish and adding a small amount of diamond compound to form a paste. Then, soak the felt bob or wheel into the mixture and work it smoothly over the surface of the stone. It is important to clean the stone with detergent and a clean, soft brush each time you change grits to avoid mixing a coarser grit with a finer one and accidentally scratching a stone. Organising the syringes, wheels, and bobs according to their respective grit is crucial for proper storage, as it helps prevent cross-contamination.
Lapidary polishing requires specific skills and tools, but with the right attachments and polishing compounds, beginners can achieve professional results. Choosing the right polishing compound is crucial, and it depends on the material being cut and the desired finish. Diamond Compound Sets are an excellent starting point for beginners who want to try lapidary work without investing in expensive equipment. Proper usage and storage of the compounds and tools are important to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the longevity of the equipment.
Oxide Polish or Diamond Polish: Which is Better for Polishing Gems?
When it comes to polishing natural gems, the question of whether to use oxide polish or diamond polish is a common one. While both types of abrasives are effective in achieving a polished finish, the choice ultimately depends on the desired outcome and the type of gemstone being polished.
Oxide polish is a type of abrasive made from aluminium oxide or cerium oxide. It is widely used in lapidary work due to its ability to produce a high-quality polish on a wide range of gemstones. Oxide polish is typically used in combination with a felt or leather polishing wheel and can be applied dry or with the addition of water or oil. One of the benefits of using oxide polish is its versatility. It can be used to polish a variety of gemstones, including quartz, agate, jasper, and opal.
On the other hand, diamond polish is a more specialised abrasive made from industrial-grade diamonds. It is typically used for polishing harder gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and diamond itself. Diamond polish is available in different grit sizes, with smaller grit sizes producing a higher polish. It is typically used with a diamond paste or spray applied to a polishing cloth or pad. One of the advantages of diamond polish is its ability to produce a high-quality polish on harder gemstones that oxide polish may struggle with.
The choice between oxide polish and diamond polish ultimately depends on the type of gemstone being polished and the desired outcome. Oxide polish is a versatile and cost-effective option for polishing a wide range of gemstones, while diamond polish is a specialised abrasive used for harder gemstones that require a higher level of polish. Both abrasives have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be made based on the specific needs of the project at hand.
