Recommended Gem Cutter to Replace Cairngorm Stone on Sgian Dubh Pommel?

[Cardinal]

Can anybody recommend a gem cutter to me?

I have an old sgain dubh that is missing its cairngorm stone in the pommel. I would like to fill this 1" x 1/2" gap with a piece of lapis lazuli that I brought back from Afghanistan.

I need a skilled gem cutter to cut, polish, and mount the stone for me.

I prefer somebody who does it for a living, but my kilt was made by a gifted tailor whose "day job" is Professor of Geology, so I am more than open to the idea of a gifted hobbyist taking on the task.

Thanks,
Patrick

[MacRob]

I have never needed that before so do not have a specific recommendation. However, if you live anywhere with a "Rock Shop" you may find a skilled hobbyist who can do that for you. The mountains of Western North Carolina are full of such places. There is one in Franklin, NC, the name of which I cannot remember but have been in it several times and I know they make a little jewelry there. It is just down the street from The Tartans Museum - how appropriate. I will try to find the information and post again. Found it...Ruby City. Try www.rubycity.com. They have a list of services they perform on the site. If they cannot do it they may know someone who can.

[Cardinal]

MacRob,

Thanks so much. I've sent them a note, maybe they can help!

Best,
Patrick

[MacRob]

You are welcome. We vacation in Franklin and will be there starting Friday. May stop by Ruby City while we are there. Will definitely look in on The Tartans Museum.

[Cardinal]

Public thanks to the good MacRob! Ruby City did a fantastic job, both on the sgain dubh and on a small brooch I sent them:

LAPIS PEND.jpgLAPIS KNIFE.jpg

Each piece cost a little under $100 for the work--I provided the pieces and the stones.

And a hat tip to the 21st Century, which I often disparage. The entire transaction, from conception to completion, was conducted over the internet, cell phone lines, and through the United States Postal Service.

Ruby City is well worth your time if you have a custom job, whether you can travel to them or not.

Best,
Patrick

[MacRob]

Patrick...

Glad to be of help to you and also to know that they will do that sort of work and do it so well. I have a new appreciation for them.

When you find time you should go to Franklin and pay them a visit. It is a museum as well as a store.

Mac

[Dughlas mor]

Looks beautiful. That is very nice looking Lapis, nothing like going direct to the source. I think it`s an excellent choice for a pommel stone.

[ASinclair]

Quite striking; congratulations Patrick!

PS -- If you attend the Scotland County Highland Games in Laurinburg on Saturday, October 4, come hang out with us at the Clan Sinclair tent.

[ASinclair]

Patrick,

Nan and I really enjoyed your visit at our Clan Sinclair tent last Saturday at the Scotland County Highland Games. Seeing and handling your sgian duhb, it really is quite a treasure, congratulations again!

[Cardinal]

Another example of what a great place Xmarks is! Were it not for MacRob, whom I met here, that sgian dubh would still be sitting at the bottom of a trunk, unusable for want of a pommel stone. Now it is back in service!

Best,
Patrick