gemstones

[Flashtones]

Got any tips for cleaning up gemstones without killing the facet edges? I'd like to get rid of the speckles as well as the cloudiness inside the emerald.

It would be nice if there was something faster than thousands of hits with the healing/cloning tool. Is there a way to run despeckle while avoiding the edges?

Thanks

[DJWaxx]

I retouch jewelry professionally. I can say that I've seen worse emeralds; however, natural emeralds are full of inclusions, fissures and such, which are usually acceptable. This would depend on the client.

Anyway, my "quick fix" is to use the "rub tool," set to lighten and then darken, and stroke the facets. You'll need to adjust your settings to get it just right.

FYI… I keep on file, a library of "good" stones, to replace any that would take more than a minute or two to fix.

[Flashtones]

Great tip!

I thought I was onto something with an edge mask and the dust and scratches filter but I got better results with the smudge. I never use that tool, but now it's a new favorite.

Got a portfolio to share?