QuestionWhat type of dremel tool should I use for drilling holes in gems?
AnswerHi Jean! Thanks a lot for your question. I would love to impart my own wisdom on this topic but I am afraid it is limited. Let me direct you to a wonderful resource available online that will answer this question and probably many others that you have and will have in the future if you get into gem carving.
Note that I said "carving" because that is the name for the craft. Whether you are creating a work of art or just drilling a hole to create a bead, the basic concept is the same- you are taking material away from a stone.
Go over to lapidaryjournal.com and search for an article called "The Metals of Gem Carving". That is an outstanding place to start. There are also lots of other resources on this site like listings of clubs in your area.
Minerungems.com and ameritool-inc.com have some economically priced single tools and sets of dremel bits that would meet your needs.
Best of luck to you! Please ask a follow-up if I can be of any further service to you. I appreciate your question.
Take care,
David Fortier
Staff Gemologist
tiptopgem.com
