Ultrasonic gem-carving technology creates an opportunity for jewelry manufacturers to take advantage of the modern renaissance in gem-carving. Many talented artists carve one-of-a-kind gems for individual goldsmiths. But for manufacturers who produce jewelry in volume, contemporary carved gems have been hard to obtain. Ultrasonic carving technology gives manufacturers the ability to design and create high-quality, modern gem carvings suitable to their specific line of jewelry. Understanding how an ultrasonic machine works, and what steps are required to produce gem carvings in volume, opens design avenues to manufacturers that were previously unavailable. From rough preparation and tool-making to carving and finishing, this paper will examine the process of carving gems ultrasonically.

Author: Sherris Cottier Shank