Too many WAX SPRUES ?? =>10 photos

 I have written about sprues before, but the need to discuss this topic again remains essential.

 I was exploring why we must attach so many wax sprues to the basic pattern. This would help in the flow of hot metal during the revolving of the crucible. 

 Some of the (added) sprues weighed more than the actual basic item.

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 If you must use sprues, PLEASE USE A THINNER ROD, not as shown in these photos.

 After the casting, there is a direct need to cut off these sprues. This is a prime example of "over-kill", as the cutting of the metal sprues could lead to damaging the basic pattern. OUCH!

 

 My intentions were good, but I applied too many thick sprues to a small area.

  Whenever there are sprues being attached, the next major problem is in the 'cleaning'.

 This quagmire of sprues is a nightmare to cast this large curved bracelet. The 'weight of the sprues' is almost that of the bracelet.

 

   These few sprues are just sufficient for this casting.

  These 'extra' sprues are more of a time-wasting labour than a helpful addition for casting.

 Suffice to say, 'the best intentions were to assist in casting.' You, the jeweller, must be made aware to keep your sprues to a minimum at all times.

 For each individual sprue, the removal of a sprue led to more 'complete cleaning'.

 For obvious reasons, I never forged ahead and did the metal casting. This was just an exercise in demonstrating the placements of wax sprues.

"GIA, Certified" diamond. 7 photos.

  I was given the privilege of checking the validity of the online 'G.I.A.' certificate against the lasered inscriptions on the client's diamond. My client is fully aware and gave me permission of writing this essay into OUR BLOG.

 This diamond was engraved with the identification numbers written on the Girdle of the stone. We both reported the same number, and it was a 1.01 carat of "E-colour" it was of a "VVS-1" quality. 

 Here are the exact numbers for you to refer to while online.

 There were a few 'natural inclusions' along the Girdle of the stone. But for sake of keeping the weight of the stone high, the diamond polisher refused to remove these inclusions instead of reducing the weight of the stone.

 

 As the Girdle of the stone was thick, this diamond polisher just 'faceted' the stone instead. This was a very wise decision on the skill involved.

  

  Here is the actual inscription as it appears on the stone.

   You can see just how thick this stone is instead of leaving the girdle in a 'rough' state. The diamond polisher improved the quality of this gemstone; this polishing actually gives added luster to the brilliance of the stone.

  Here is another copy of the numbers of the "GIA" to validate the online certificate. Even you, the reader, can justify these numbers yourself.

 I had little difficulty in viewing these important numbers. I took numerous photographs and kept them for the client, and you to see how 'GIA' will identify this stone.