Polish Gemstone

Polish cut gemstones to a final optical-quality finish using progressive abrasive sequences, appropriate polishing compounds, and correct lap or pad selection for both cabochons and faceted stones.

When to Use

• You have a cabochon or faceted stone that has completed the cutting stage and is ready for polishing
• You need to select the correct polishing compound and lap for a specific gemstone species
• You are troubleshooting a polish that will not reach full lustre (orange peel, haze, scratches)
• You want to re-polish an existing stone that has surface wear or scratches

Inputs

• Required: A cut gemstone ready for polishing (cabochon dome shaped and smoothed, or faceted stone with all facets cut)
• Required: Species identification (polishing compound and lap selection depend on the material)
• Optional: Cabbing machine with polishing wheels/pads (for cabochons)
• Optional: Faceting machine with polishing laps (for faceted stones)
• Optional: Polishing compounds: cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, diamond paste (various micron grades), tin oxide, chromium oxide
• Optional: Polishing laps: tin, copper, ceramic, Batt (synthetic), BATT lap, Corian, Lucite, leather, felt