Amber Cutting, Polishing & Ring Mounting Options - DIY & Professional

Question
I have a piece of roughly cut amber, about 2 cms wide. There is a mosquito clearly visible in it. I would like the stone cut and polished and mounted on a ring. What are my options?
I wouldn't rule out doing this myself, to learn through trying.

Answer
Hello,

You can shape amber with sand paper starting with a rough grit say 100 then refine the shape using 180 then 220 then 400 then 600 then 1200 mesh.  The polish will need to be done with a jewelers buffing machine using a polish agent used to polish plastic watch faces.  Most jewelers have this.
You will want to attach your rough piece to a stick which can be a large nail or bolt the glue it using super glue, you will need to grind down a flat surface for this.  When you are finished you will need to heat the nail with a small propane torch while holding the finished amber with tweezers.  This will release the glue.  Then you can sand the glue off and polish by hand.

Your other option would be to hire someone like myself to do it for you.  This would cost you 45.00 plus shipping from me.  You get shop around for others like myself.


Regards,

Steven D.Covey