Drilling Gemstones: Tools & Drill Press Recommendations for Jewelry Making

Question
You mention that you found a divise to cut & hold a pearl while you drill it. What drill is it? Also what type of drill press do you recommend to drill gemstone(Sapphires)?
I am new at this & I want to make jewelry,(earrings, pendants) out of real Gems. I hope (I am a breast cancer survivor), I thought maybe I could make a little money doing this. I live by myself.

Thank you
Linda  

Answer
Hi Linda,

Here is a website for the pearl drill.  http://www.topearl.com/pdm200-simple-style-pearl-drilling-machine-p-3810.html

As far as drilling sapphires.  They are very hard and will wear out drill bit even diamond.  But that is what I use for all drilling diamond bits.

They do make a fancy vibro-sonic drill but it costs 1500.00  It is made for someone drilling commericially.  It uses a slurry and ulta sonic vibration to drill.  

Good luck I hope this helps.

Regards,

Steven D.Covey