Mid-Point of Feb '21 Edition
Welcome to the SomeTimes Newsletter!

We hope you are all keeping safe and well!

ULTRA TEC continues to operate during the pandemic. We are shipping ALL products! We are designated an Essential Business and, as such, we continue to have manufacturing personnel at the Factory -- using the necessary social-distancing and safety protocols.
Unfortunately it is not possible to have visitors at the factory at this time. Please visit our website and on-line store.

Thanks again to all our customers - both far & near!
Live Talk This Week!
“The Science and the Art of Gem Cutting” by John Dyer
Wednesday, February 17, 2021; 6:15 – 9:00P.M.

Presented by the Washington, DC Chapter GIA Alumni


John Dyer will discuss his passion and share his award winning designs and gemstones. How much is science and how much is creativity? From custom cut classic shapes with exceptional brilliance with flat faceting, to concave faceted and avant-garde fantasy cut gemstones reminiscent of modern art. John crafts every gemstone into a unique creation that will beautifully complement any collection. 

See John's award-winning work at https://johndyergems.com/


Zoom Speaker starts promptly at 6:30PM EST.

Topic: “The Science and the Art of Gem Cutting” by John Dyer – Zoom Meeting
Time: Feb 17, 2021 from 6:15 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting here:


Meeting ID: 466 296 1828
Passcode: DCGIA
Dial up Audio Only:
301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Meeting ID: 466 296 1828
Passcode: 849759

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbLudspDfc

Now is the time to register and support your DCGIA Chapter so we can continue to bring great speakers and topics to you!

NEW GEM CUTTING INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO SERIES
From Steve Moriarty of MOREGEMS.com
We are proud to recommend a new YouTube series from well-known gem dealer and cutter Steve Moriarty. Over more than six hours, in his accomplished and reassuringly conversational style, Steve takes the viewer from a large piece of rough topaz through to finished gem on the ULTRA TEC V5.

Great going Steve! Here are links to the whole series...

Part 1: Introduction & Identifying Inclusions

Part 2: Sawing, Preforming, and Dopping

Part 3: Forming the Girdle and Faceting to a Culet

Part 4: Faceting the Pavilion & Polishing

Part 5: Transferring & Faceting the Crown

Part 6: Polishing the Crown & Table Facets

Part 7: Revealing the Faceted Topaz

See more info on Steve's flourishing business at moregems.com

ANOTHER MASTERPIECE FROM THE MASTER OF GEM CARVING!
New Designs from Dalan Hargrave
Dalan Hargrave - Amethyst-American Brilliant Series-70.93 CTs- 42.5 x 27mm.

This Amethyst beauty was cut by award-winning Dalan Hargraves. When cutter Ernie Hawes saw it, he gave us our headline – Ernie said “It’s another masterpiece from the master of gem carving!” – and that’s what it is all right. Other people said “wow” and “amazing.”

There’s something instructive about this particular Amethyst -- its size and shape. It is cut from rough that was poorly shaped for classic flat faceting – too shallow (of the sort you may have “laying around”). This Amethyst illustrates a particular virtue of fantasy cutting – that it often allows you to “save” oddly shaped gem rough – turning it from no-value into valuable and attractive finished stones.

Check out Dalan’s website and see the Fantasy beauties he offers – if you are interested in fantasy cutting you might want to think about lessons from Dalan.

The ULTRA TEC FANTASY MACHINE is shown here.

 
Introducing a new Rep!
Steven Manchini in Salem, MA
While Steven was in college, getting a degree in Biology, he developed a hobby - making wire-wrapped jewelry. He became enamored with his hobby, and after completing his B.A., he turned his artistic hobby into his profession. Working out of a home studio in Salem, MA, Steven named his company DNA Organic Designs. He was “discovered”, and soon he was creating jewelry on a full-time basis with customers around the world. 
 
Steven has the soul of an artist, and he says “My favorite thing about art is creating something from your thoughts. Every day, there is something new to envision and discover.” More recently, he has ventured into the realm of lapidary arts, gemstone faceting & fantasy cutting. He says he loves his ULTRA TEC equipment, and with it. he’s more excited than ever for the journey ahead. 


See more of Steven's work and contact info at:
ULTRA TEC Feature
in Rock & Gem Magazine
Available Now!
The "Tools of The Trade"

The February 2021 issue of Rock & Gem Magazine featured a section on ULTRA TEC users and their experiences with our equipment.

Thanks to Ryan Anderson, Yoyo Xue, Arya Akhavan, Derek Katzenbach, Tom Mitchell, and Joyce Wang for sharing your stories and words of wisdom!

Joyce Wang's profile arrived a little too late to go in the print or web magazine version -- but it is included below

Pick up your own copy of the magazine at booksellers and newsstands, or purchase a hard copy or a download at this link
VL Classic Faceting Machine
The Newest Member of the Faceting Team!
Introducing...
ULTRA TEC is proud to offer the VL Classic Faceting Machine.

VL incorporates both brand new and classic features and is sturdy and responsive. VL is designed for both new and experienced cutters -who may well appreciate VL’s quality build and ease-of-use.

A special introductory offer means that full VL machine packages start from only US $3,495.

Rapidly becoming a ‘new classic’, VL is available with the Analog Angle Dial and Dial Indicator Readout (Standard), or upgraded with the Digital Angle Display (DAD), which replaces the Analog Angle Dial & Dial Indicator.
‌
Review of the VL Classic

Mark Oros of Hashnu Stones & Gems was kind enough to take time and review his new VL Classic Faceting Machine. Please click for the document.

Visit our Webstore
Accessories, get shipping quotes!   
‌
The World's Finest Faceting Equipment...
Thank you again for your interest in our lapidary products. Until the next SomeTimes Newsletter!

Sincerely,

The ULTRA TEC Team