Amateur Gemstone Faceting Volume 1: The Essentials by Tom Herbst The first volume presents The Essentials, including a detailed, visual tutorial to help the complete beginner through his or her first gemstone. There are chapters providing guidance on selecting gem rough, faceting machines, laps, and additional equipment, as well as lengthy explanations of cutting and polishing technique. It concludes with a chapter on further reading to help you continue your faceting journey. In short, Volume 1 targets the beginning to intermediate faceter. Have you ever gazed in wonder at a faceted gemstone, at the ever-changing interplay of light, colour, and sparkle, and asked yourself how such a thing could come into being? Gemstones have been a source of fascination, mystery, and power for millennia, yet it is only in the last few decades that the tools and knowledge for creating these tiny miracles have been available to the average person. In this book, amateur faceter Tom Herbst lays out the steps necessary to transform a shapeless lump of rock into a glittering jewel that is unique and valuable. Along the way, he explains not only the "how" but also the "why," and provides helpful tips in dealing with many of the pitfalls that confront the beginning gem cutter.