Learn · Technique

Complete Transfer Process

The transfer lets you turn the stone over to cut its second side while keeping both sides perfectly aligned. Poor alignment affects the balance of the final gemstone, so it is worth following a reliable method carefully. This is the method my father uses, step by step.

What it does

Lets you work on the opposite side of the stone while keeping both sides aligned.

Why it matters

Poor alignment affects the balance of the final gemstone.

You will need

A second dop, dop wax, a transfer jig, a heat source and a laser alignment setup.

Safety first. Methanol is flammable and toxic: use a small amount, keep the container closed and away from any flame, work in a ventilated space and avoid skin contact. Dops, wax and the stone get hot, so handle them with tweezers. Use only a low-power Class 2 laser (1 mW or less), never aim it at your eyes or anyone else’s, and remember that polished facets reflect the beam.
Part 1

Mount the new dop

Remove the stone from the handpiece

Take the stone, still mounted on its current dop, out of the handpiece.

Prepare the new dop

Heat the dop and apply a small amount of dop wax. Choose a dop shape that suits the stone, for example a cone-shaped dop for a conical stone.

Prepare the stone

Apply a mixture of methanol and wax, or use cyanoacrylate (super glue) if needed. Gently heat the stone while applying a small amount of wax, then lightly pull on the wax to check that it holds. The stone is ready when the wax clearly adheres to its surface. Then apply a thin layer of wax directly onto the stone.

Join the two dops in the transfer jig

Install both dops in the transfer jig. Heat the new (upper) dop and press it against the stone to bond them together.

Tidy the wax

Gently push excess wax upward with your finger to minimize cleanup later.

Expose two opposite facets

Expose two opposite facets on the stone. They are the reference surfaces for the laser alignment step.

Part 2

Align with the laser

Set up the laser

Adjust the laser height so that the beam reflects properly through both mirrors. Fine-tune the mirror holder so that the reflected beam returns at the same height.

Level the first facet

Adjust the handpiece so that one of the exposed facets is perfectly flat (level).

Align the laser with that facet

Use the adjustment screw to fine-tune the alignment until the reflected beam returns at the same height.

Check the opposite facet

Repeat the process with the opposite facet to confirm the alignment.

Lock it in

Once both facets are aligned, do not adjust the screw any further. The transfer is now properly aligned, and you can proceed with the 3,000-grit lap.

Before you cut

Checklist for the second side

  • The wax clearly adheres to the stone after the gentle pull test.
  • Both dops are seated in the transfer jig, and the new dop is bonded to the stone.
  • The beam returns at the same height on the first facet and on the opposite facet.
  • The adjustment screw has not been touched since the alignment.

Everything is in place? Start the second side with the 3,000-grit lap. See the grit progression we use.

See the whole method in one cut

The Round Cut guide walks through a full stone, from design to final polish, including this transfer.

Read the Round Cut guide →