By George M. Lawrence
This writer has been collecting minerals and doing some slabbing and polishing for about a year, but obviously much was left to be learned. But a Good Samaritan was to offer us a weekend of “on-the-job” training during which the basics of creating from a rock, a semiprecious stone worthy of jewelry. The generous one was “Dragon”, James Madej of Pasadena, Maryland, a completely bald and heavily tattooed gentle soul who drove, at his expense, 600 miles to our home in Lexington, N.C. Dragon, owner with wife, Donna, of Dragonsaye Auctions, even brought his six-wheel Genie lapping machine for this tinhorn to use, of course, under Dragon’s tutelage.
We had purchased a fresh-off-the-line Lortone Model TS10-C 10” trim saw which was not assembled until Dragon’s Saturday arrival. We, of course, were quite eager to leave the mechanics of the weekend to Dragon, whose demanding eye is absolutely uncompromising, both as a lapidary instruction and equipment builder. Our only role in the process was to act as Dragon’s “gofer”. Often, we even managed to foul up in the processing of these relatively minor chores. Our teacher, however, was quick to point out our mistakes and guide us in the right direction.
His instruction in the art of cutting, cabbing and polishing a rock into a work of art, however, far surpassed those directed at his 71-year-old, slightly arthritic “gofer”. But his friendship, humor and camaraderie were always present and used with supreme effect to calm the searing nerves of his student.
Dragon spent his weekend 600 miles or so from his lovely bride and beloved Springer Spaniel with this beginner at his own expense. As he departed, we waved our adieus from the driveway shortly before 6 p.m. Monday. After a few more friendly jibes between business acquaintances, we acknowledged that what had begun as a business arrangement had turned into a budding friendship. We look forward to learning even more from this most knowledgeable gentleman as, it is hoped, we will see slow but obvious improvements in our efforts at turning rocks into works of art. The picture below is my very first cabochon under James’s instruction.
It was a most incredible weekend!
Cheers,
George
