NW Tasmanian (Table Cape region) sapphire and zircons
NW Tasmanian sapphire and zircons
Above are some largish well-formed examples of Tasmanian stones sent to me for cutting a while back. The 4.9 ct sapphire pictured above is a nice example of the dogs-tooth shaped crystal habit.
I examined the sapphire above and tried to determine the best orientation, taking into account inclusions/cracks etc.
Dopped and ready
I decided that the orientation above would give the cleanest stone with the highest yield – so many factors involved in creating the best final product. A rectangular cushion cut, the Tsunami 311, as per this post was the selection.
Pavilion underway. If you look carefully you will see a small crack on the RHS near the girdle areaCrack a bit more clearly visible. It should cut out OK.Another view, crack is original with some iron oxide present.Fixed and continuing with pav. Yield down a little.Prepolish going in, nice colour coming through now.
Final polish on pavilion (I know I’m really slow, lol)
final polish #60K diamondTransfer for crown – great colour!epoxy on top (with filler powder added to reduce runniness and increase strength)
On to the crown..
OK, just cut the two A facets on the crownB crown facetsB crown facetsH facet in, about to do I facetsTable facet inAll facets done, time for pre-polishPre-polish going well, you can clearly see the unpolished frosted H and I facets adjacent to the table standing outH and I facets left.Pre-polish complete
Final polish ahead.
Most facets done, ready to put the final polish on the tableTable adapter onShiny, shiny, bad times behind me!This is one sweet Tassie stoneStunning.This stone turned out real good..
Yield was a little lower than I would have hoped at the start, however this is a really clean stone as a result, great colour (and great cut too I must say!)
