Turquoise Drilling: Safely Adding a Hole to Your Pendant

Question
I have a Turquoise pendant carved to look like a feather, with one hole on one end of it. I really want it to have a hole at the other end as well, but I don't know how to go about drilling a hole into it without cracking the stone. Do jewelers drill holes into stones? Or do I have to buy the equipment and do it myself?

Answer
Joanna, depending on the stone a jeweler can drill the hole for you. This is the safest way to go.  Some turquoise stones are soft enough to drill with a steel drill bit and others require a diamond bit kept wet while drilling the hole.

I suggest you call some local jewelers and ask if they will do it. The cost should not be very high. Best wishes with this.

God Bless and Peace. Thomas. November 28,2007  7:47pm