Q. Do you need to use 2500 grit wet & dry when polishing as I have been told to finish with a 1000 grit and then go straight onto toothpate? Andy from bolton England.

A.I do advocate using a 2500 grit in between the 1000 and toothpates simply because the jump from 1000 to toothpaste which is about 4000 grit is to big. When you polish with an abrasive however fine, you are still scratching the surface but making finer scratches which the eye cannot see but if you look under a high powered microscope you will see them. By using a 2500 grit you will get a better finish and it will be quicker because the toothpaste has smaller scratches to remove.

Q What is the best type of light for searching amber and copal ? Jay from Minnesota U.S.A

A I have found the best light for searching amber and copal to be natural daylight. I have tried many other lights including some fish tank lights which are meant to have daylight properties to encourage plant growth but daylight and sunlight for me proved to be the best source. I also found daylight easier on the eye, it is surprising how tired the eyes can become looking through a loupe after a couple of hours. If natural daylight is not available I found a white fluorescent tube was the next best thing.