Benefits of Using Diamond Paste for Lapidary Polishing
Lapidary is a form of art that involves cutting, shaping, and polishing hard materials such as stones to create decorative objects, sculptures, and jewelry. This craft demands specialized techniques and tools, which is why many jewelers opt to outsource lapidary work to experts. Nevertheless, beginners can also undertake most jobs with the appropriate polishing compounds and attachments using a flex shaft or micromotor.
Using diamond paste in lapidary polishing offers several advantages. Firstly, it is highly effective in polishing hard materials like quartz, corundum, and topaz, which are difficult to work with using traditional polishing pastes. It also works well with softer materials like jade, turquoise, and lapis lazuli, achieving a high level of polish that can be challenging to achieve with traditional pastes. Additionally, diamond paste provides high precision, allowing lapidary artists to create intricate designs and shapes with greater accuracy. The paste's fine diamond particles can access the tiniest cracks and corners on the surface of the material being polished, ensuring a uniform and even finish. This precision is especially important in creating faceted gemstones, where the angles and facets require a high degree of accuracy. Moreover, diamond paste is highly durable and can be used repeatedly without losing its effectiveness. Unlike traditional polishing pastes that wear out quickly and require frequent replacement, 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
One of the primary benefits of diamond paste is its effectiveness in polishing hard materials such as quartz, corundum, and topaz. These materials can be challenging to work with using traditional polishing pastes, but diamond paste can achieve a high level of polish on them. Additionally, diamond paste is also effective in polishing softer materials like jade, turquoise, and lapis lazuli, which can be difficult to achieve with traditional polishing pastes.
Another advantage of diamond paste is its precision. Lapidary artists can achieve intricate designs and shapes with greater accuracy due to the fine diamond particles in the paste. These particles can reach even the smallest crevices and angles on the surface of the material being polished, resulting in a more uniform and consistent finish. Accurate polishing is crucially significant when producing faceted gemstones as it requires precise polishing of angles and facets.
Diamond paste is also highly durable, which makes it a more cost-effective option in the long run. Diamond paste, unlike conventional polishing pastes, has the ability to withstand multiple polishing sessions and does not wear out quickly, hence it doesn't require frequent replacement. This feature not only saves money but also time and effort.
To initiate the process of lapidary polishing with diamond paste, it is recommended to use Diamond paste Type L. This involves using four specific micron grades: 45 micron and 25 micron for shaping, 14 micron for polishing, and finally, 1 micron to attain a superior level of polish.
To use the Diamond paste, start by squirting lubricating fluid into a small dish and adding a small amount of diamond paste to form a paste. Next, immerse the felt bob or wheel in the mixture and smoothly rub it over the stone's surface. It is essential 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. Properly organizing the syringes, wheels, and bobs according to their respective grit is also crucial for proper storage, as it helps prevent cross-contamination.
Polishing Gems: Comparing Oxide Polish vs. Diamond Polish
Polishing natural gems requires a decision between using oxide polish or diamond polish. Both abrasives have their strengths and weaknesses, but the choice should depend on the type of gemstone being polished and the desired outcome.
Oxide polish, made from aluminum oxide or cerium oxide, is commonly used in lapidary work for its ability to create a high-quality polish on a broad range of gemstones. It can be used dry or with the addition of water or oil and is usually applied with a felt or leather polishing wheel. Oxide polish is a versatile option that can polish various gemstones, including quartz, agate, jasper, and opal.
On the other hand, diamond polish is a specialised abrasive made from industrial-grade diamonds, which is used for polishing harder gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and diamond itself. Diamond polish comes in different grit sizes, with smaller grit sizes producing a higher polish. Diamond polish is typically used with a diamond paste or spray applied to a polishing cloth or pad. It has the advantage of creating a high-quality polish on harder gemstones that oxide polish may struggle with.
When choosing between oxide polish and diamond polish, it is important to consider the specific needs of the project at hand. Oxide polish is a cost-effective option that can polish a broad range of gemstones. On the other hand, diamond polish is a more specialised abrasive that is ideal for harder gemstones that require a higher level of polish. While both abrasives have their advantages and disadvantages, the decision should ultimately depend on the type of gemstone being polished and the desired outcome.
