Gemstone Faceting Theory Course
Coming in Spring 2022
Course Description
The twenty one chapter Gemstone Faceting Theory course covers the foundations of faceting and prepares students to pursue the art of faceting at their own pace in their own home. The course begins by discussing where gemstones come from & the reasons behind why we value them before diving in to explore the workings of modern faceting machines. We will explore the theory behind cutting & polishing with both quality & efficiency in mind. The course will cover working with & sourcing gem quality rough with a focus on responsible sourcing. In the final chapters of the course we will be covering gemstone design, following faceting diagrams, & getting the most out of your gem rough before getting you started to work on your own.
Format
The Gemstone Faceting Theory Course is comprised of 8 units and 21 chapters. Chapters contain a combination of slide shows, videos, and printable guides. Each unit of the course has a short assignment to test your knowledge after completing that section of the course. After completing each assignment, you will be prompted to request your certificate of completion. Upon verification, a digital copy of your certificate will be released to you. If desired, students may also pay an additional fee of $20 to receive a physical copy the mail.
Assignments
Assignments are mandatory & must be completed to receive your certificate of completion. Students will create a design book by the end of the course & be proficient in the theory of gemstone faceting. No equipment, gem rough, or prior experience is required. Each assignment is given in a quiz format with multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer questions. Students may complete each chapter at their own pace. Answers to assignment questions will be made available to students after the completion of each unit.
Design Book Assignment: Students will be creating a design book of gemstone cuts for their own use and reference in assignments 7 and 8. Resources to find published designs will be provided. Students have the option of saving these files on their computer or printing them out and including them in this binder. If you do pursue a printed design book it is highly recommended to get a hole puncher or plastic paper protectors to help keep your design book looking professional and easy to use.
Please note that students are not required to create their own designs in this course.
Course Requirements
Computer Access
English Proficiency (Reading & Writing)
No technical background required
No equipment or gemstone rough necessary
Course Breakdown
Unit 1: Introduction to the Art of Gemstone Faceting
Unit 2: Faceting Machines & Exploring How They Work
Unit 3: Operating a Faceting Machine
Unit 4: The Nitty Gritty of Laps & Polishing
Unit 5: Sourcing Rough & Making The Most Out Of Each Gem
Unit 6: Gemstone Anatomy, Optics, & Design
Unit 7: Introduction to Faceting Diagrams
Unit 8: Sourcing Gem Rough & Setting Up Your Studio