Saving "face" ... cutting a Chrysocolla stone

Part of the challenge when cutting a stone is to find a good "face" on the stone. The "face" changes with every cut. 

In pursuit of a new "face" this Sonora Chrysocolla stone is being cut with a Diamond saw. This rock has produced many beautiful slabs with gorgeous faces from which exceptional stones have been fashioned for unique "One of a Kind" Bowman Originals jewels.

Once the rock becomes so small that the stone vice can not hold it securely, as in this case, the stone is temporarily glued to a piece of wood which can then be properly secured for the task.

“Slow and steady” does it … often, but not always. In this case, instead of ending up with two pieces as desired the results was three pieces. The portion of the stone that was cut away break into two pieces. All material will find a home in a custom piece of jewelry at Bowman Originals. No waste of Mother Nature's magnificent masterpieces!

The main piece survived in tact and resulted in a beautiful “face” which was used in a large exceptional bracelet to show its grand and unique beauty. It would have been a shame to cut it further. It was big, bold and beautiful as it was cut. Perfectly suitable for a Big, Bold and Beautiful Bracelet!