The process begins using "rough" turquoise, larimar, lapis, malachite, opal or other gem/minerals. Each piece of "rough" material is cut with a diamond trim saw into roughly ¼ inch thick pieces called "slabs". The second step in the process is using a "cabochon" machine. There are 6 diamond impregnated wheels (80 grit wheel, 220 grit wheel, 300 grit wheel, 600 grit wheel, 1200 grit wheel, and 3000 grit wheel) which are used to shape, form, and polish the material into a cabochon The third step in the process involves silversmithing. A "bezel" (this is what holds the cabochon in place, same as a mounting) is shaped around each gem/mineral using fine sterling silver (99.5% pure). When properly shaped the bezel is soldered together using silver solder. After the bezel has been soldered