Faces By KLM

Mirror Swarovski Crystals

When precious stones are found in mines, they don't look half as dazzling as they should look. Gems are finely cut, shaped and polished to give it that mesmerizing stunning and impressive look. The method of cutting the stone is known as gem cutting or lapidary. This process was started in the early 1300s in Venice. Later in the 1400s this method was used in Paris and Bruges. There are four basic styles of gem cutting, namely tumbling, faceting and carving. The precious stones should be cut so well that they mirror and reflect the light that falls on them. If the gem has not been cut or polished well, it destroys the beauty and the shine of the stone. For example, an alluring diamond, if not polished and cut well, will not be as valuable, rich or worthy compared to a well polished diamond.

The gem cutter or a lapidary, also known as lapidarist begins the process of lapidary by sawing the gem. The gem from the mine is first cleaned with oil or water, to remove the residues present on the stone. The stone is then sawed with a thin circular blade. One can use different sizes of blades, depending on the size of the stone. Sawing helps remove all the debris and chunks of mud stuck to the stone. The second step is grinding the stone.

Grinding is usually done with silicon carbide wheels or diamond-impregnated wheels, which is used to give shape to the gemstone to a desired rough form, called a preform. The third step is sanding which removes the scratches and dents caused by grinding. Sanding is a very delicate fine process, which is similar to grinding. If the stone needs to be flat at one end, then the stone goes through a process called lapping.

Laps are made of iron or steel, to flatten one side of the stone. Then stone is then polished, to create a mirror like effect. Polishing makes the stone so clear and dazzling that it shines. Polishing agents like tin oxide, aluminum oxide, ferric oxide and so on are used. Cloth, leather, wood, can also be used for polishing. The next process is cabochon. The gem is smoothly rounded and polished on top, and either flattened or slightly rounded on the bottom. This is usually done to opaque or transparent stone.

Transparent stones are also faceted. The stone is flattened at on the sides symmetrically and the entire surface is polished thoroughly, making it shine. The stone is then dopped on a metal dopstick, and later sanded and polished on a lap. Water or any liquid is used to clean the stone. A well faceted stone acts like a mirror, reflecting the light that falls on it, thus making it shine.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as diamond jewelry at http://www.gemstoneanddiamondjewelry.com

Wedding cake topper?

For Valentine's Day my fiance got me the little Swarovski Crystal Bride & Groom. We are having tiers of cupcakes for our wedding cake with a 7" small cake for the top layer. Can anyone give me a reason why I wouldn't or shouldn't use these as my wedding cake topper? In the 5 years that we have been together he has got me several of their crystal figurines signifying different events in our lives so it is a personal thing for us. I would set them on a small round mirror most likely.

Those would look beautiful on your cake, especially if you set them on a mirror. I would use some double sided tape to hold them in place just so they don't slide off. You could also display your other Swarovski crystal figurines. My daughter had a Precious Moments themed wedding. She used the Precious Moments bride and groom cake topper, but displayed her collection of figurines on a large mirror with small light pink Christmas lights around it and some greenery and flowers in between. It looked beautiful.
Good luck to you!!

Create Your Own Swarovski Crystals In A Different Way (pendants, rings & earrings)

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SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL FIGURINE MINIATURE SWAN WITH MINIATURE MIRROR    US $35.00

Swarovski crystal sea horse with mirror    US $53.00

Swarovski crystal dolphin with mirror    US $65.00

Swarovski Crystal Panda Bears with Mirror    US $43.00

Swarovski Crystal Butterfly with Mirror    US $29.00

Swarovski Crystal Humming Bird with Flower and Mirror    US $53.00

Amazing Gator Upholstered Vanity Mirror and Bench with Swarovski Crystals    US $2,587.00

Swarovski crystal swan with mirror    US $33.00

Swarovski Crystal Alligator with Mirror    US $35.00

SWAROVSKI PINK LEATHER CRYSTAL SIGNED LOLITA MIRROR+COA-NIB-GIFT-FAB!    US $75.00

N930 Swarovski Crystal Oliver Magic Mirror 18k Platinum Plated Elegant Necklace    US $.99

Irving Rice Gold Mirrored Compact W/Swarovski Crystals & Blue Enamel New in Box    US $18.95

Irving Rice Gold & Silver Mirrored Mini Compact W/Swarovski Crystals New in Box    US $14.95

2 SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SWAN SMALL WITH MIRROR 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY    US $49.00

Swarovski Crystal #19111 IRIS ARC Butterfly 1" Figurine w/ Mirror Display Stand    US $4.49

N928 Swarovski Crystal Blue Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $3.88

Swarovski Crystal Duck in original box with mirror base and booklet    US $8.09

N927 Swarovski Crystal Aqua Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $.99

Irving Rice Gold Mirrored Compact Gold & Black W/Swarovski Crystals New in Box    US $23.95

IRIS ARC - Swarovski Crystal Riverboat Paddle-Wheeler Figurine on Blue Mirror    US $29.99

N927 Swarovski Crystal Aqua Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $3.88

Swarovski Crystal Santa Maria Ship with blue mirror    US $52.51

Jimmy Crystal Compact hand MIRROR Swarovski crystals great for Valentine's day    US $75.00

Leopard design tri fold Compact hand MIRROR Swarovski crystals Jimmy Crystal    US $70.00

N929 Swarovski Crystal Ruby Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $3.88

SWAROVSKI Crystal Castle Figurine on Mirror - Excellent Condition no box    US $35.00

Swarovski Crystals Compact Dressing Makeup Mirror Gift 34    US $.99

Swarovski Crystal Hello Kitty Mirror Key Chain Ring F&S    US $9.99

Free shipping Swarovski Crystal Hello Kitty Mirror Key Chain Ring Pink    US $4.25

N927 Swarovski Crystal Aqua Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $.99

GLAM BRAND BRAND NEW COMPACT MIRROR RETAILS $20 PINK FLORAL Swarovski Crystal    US $3.99

GLAM BRAND BRAND NEW COMPACT MIRROR RETAILS $20 BLACK Swarovski Crystal DESIGN    US $3.99

N929 Swarovski Crystal Ruby Magic Mirror 18k Platinum Plated Elegant Necklace    US $.99

Brand New Floxite 10X Compact Glass Mirror w/ Swarovski Crystals Jeweled Pink    US $14.24

N928 Swarovski Crystal Blue Magic Mirror 18k Platinum Plated Elegant Necklace    US $.99

COMPACT MIRROR, LIPSTICK CASE,& KEYCHAIN,W/SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS,BY ARGENTO SC, MIB    US $9.99

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SLEIGH, Original Box with Mirror Glass Base, Tree and Packages    US $149.95

N933 Swarovski Crystal Topaz Magic Mirror 18k Necklace    US $.99

Collectibles 24K Gold Hummingbird Compact Mirror Frame With Swarovski Crystals    US $19.99

Barbie Necklace-Silver Mirror Acrylic with Genuine Swarovski Crystals    US $22.00

THINGS REMEMBERED DOUBLE ENAMEL FRAME SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS AND HEART MIRROR    US $18.99

NEW Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski " Mirror Mirror Earrings" retails $45    US $34.95

Swarovski crystal Kris bear with honey pot, includes mirror    US $32.00

BEAUTIFUL JAY STRONGWATER HAND MIRROR W/SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS NEW IN BOX    US $399.95

Hello Kitty Bling Clear Swarovski Crystal Mirror Case For iPhone 4G 4S Gift A04    US $2.49

Jay Strongwater Mini Mirrors Hand Painted Butterflies/Flowers Swarovski Crystals    US $24.99

Swarovski Crystals Compact Dressing Makeup Mirror Gift 33    US $.99

10x/1x LED LIGHTED COMPACT MIRROR W/ SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL BLACK, SILVER, OR PINK    US $29.99

Plastic With Mirror Rectangular Display Stand for Swarovski Crystal    US $7.99

SWAROVSKI EVENT GIFT" PINK CRYSTAL " MIRROR COMPACT    US $39.99

Hello Kitty Mirror Necklace Pendant Swarovski Crystal Fuchsia Bow Animal Cat    US $7.95

Liz Palacios Pink MINT Green MIRROR AB Swarovski Crystal Briolette Drop Earrings    US $72.66

Mirror Compact Black & Swarovski Crystals w/case new    US $7.00

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SMALL BLOWFISH WITH DISPLAY MIRROR, MIB COA 1987 - RETIRED    US $24.99

Swarovski Crystal Mother's Day Pink Blossom with Mirror 1299908 MIB    US $64.99

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL IRIS ARC ANGEL HOLDING CANDLE MIRROR BASE MINIATURE FIGURINE    US $85.00

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL IRIS ARC ANGEL HOLDING CANDLE MIRROR BASE MINIATURE FIGURINE    US $85.00

BROADWAY MIRROR w/ Swarovski Crystals Border GUC Orange Blue Crystal AB    US $14.99

Genuine Rose Pink Swarovski Crystal Penguin Bird Fashion Jewelry Compact Mirror    US $52.95

rare neiman marcus compact mirror flower swarovski crystal silver valentines day    US $25.00

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24k Gold Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystals $129.99 This 24k Gold Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystals will enhance your table and servings...

24k Gold Oval Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystals $249.00 This 24k Gold Oval Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystals will enhance your table and reflect the serving on this tray...

24k Gold Plated Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystals Flowers $189.99 This 24k Gold Plated Mirror Tray Decorated with Swarovski Crystal flowers, is ideal for cut up fruits, or cake. also impressive for miniature chocolates....

kilofly Purse Hook [Set of 4] - Foldable - Samantha $19.46 This set of 4 kilofly Purse Hooks is a perfect gift for ladies. It is durable and fit on most tables....

kilofly Purse Hook - Foldable Rose Golden Frame - Dylan $11.19 This pink handbag-shaped purse hook is a perfect gift for ladies. The embedded sparking crystals make a difference to the normal purse hooks while the gold colored metal is foldable and for easy storage. It is durable and fit on most tables....

Floxite Fl-360-p 10x Led Lighted Compact With Swarovski Crystals and Dfp Quality Glass, Pink $19.70 This lighted compact mirror is 4" in diameter and lets you see the tiniest details to line your lips, apply eye makeup, tweeze eyebrows, insert contacts and all other close-up facial grooming. The regular mirror provides a clear true image. See more detail in pictures below. Instructions for Use: To focus the magnifying mirror, bring it to within 2 inches of your eye. Slowly move the mirror away...

Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer New Tweezerman Innovations, The Perfect Pocket TweezerUnmatched PerformanceGrabs Hair Every TimeConvenient Travel SizeIdeal size for make - up bag and travel with perfectly aligned hand finished tips.The Best Implements The Best Guarantee!We sharpen our tools that have become dull through normal use FREE. We replace damaged/dropped tools for one half the purchase price. We repair bent tips for $5....

Floxite Fl-360-b 10x Led Lighted Compact With Swarovski Crystals and Dfp Quality Glass, Black $25.00 What is it: The Floxite halo compact features a regular, 1X mirror on one side, and a lighted, 10X magnified mirror on the other for a higher level of detail. It adds an elegant touch to your touch-ups, with a sparkling cluster of round Swarovski crystal accents at the top. Who is it for: Any woman who wants to see herself up close and personal, in a stylish and pretty compact. Why is it differe...

Silver Bling Rubber Hard Skin Cover Case for AT&T iPhone 4 G $1.99 This slim fit snap-on case compatible with Apple iPhone 4 keeps your cell phone safe and protected in style Snap-on case adds a splash of color and provides protection from scratches. Slim fit snap-on case allows easy access to all buttons, controls and ports. Maintains a slim profile, covering the back and corners of the phone. Diamond crystal bling rhinestones adds value and shine to your phone....

MyBat Apple iPod Touch 4G Diamante Protector Cover - Bubble $3.02 Compatible Models: Apple: iPod touch (4th generation)...