Half drilling

[pearlescence]

Is there a way I can half drill or full drill lumps of rough ruby and amethyst so they can take a post for setting, rather than having to construct some sort of collet or other setting? These are lumps about the size of fingernails which are destined for earrings with (of course) pearl drops underneath.
I had a bit of a rush of blood and bought them last march in Hong Kong - sorting through washing up bowls of small rough lumps to the amusement of the stand staff who said 'we usually sell by kilo weight, not selection' as I ended up with two piece of ruby.
The plan is hook ear wire + ruby + big drop pearl

[BarryM]

You can use a diamond drill in a pendant drill. Lubricate and cool with water - drill for a few seconds, stop, syringe water, drill for a few seconds, etc etc. Do not force the drill, be gentle and only drill for a few seconds each time - otherwise drill may overheat and crack the stone.


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[pearlescence]

Sounds similar to how I drilled glass when I had an attack of tumbled 'sea' glass a few years ago..yes?
Thanks Barry

[china]

If you have drill press you can clamp the item in a suitable vice and place in a container of water and drill under water using a diamond drill, common method of drilling Opal

[pearlescence]

Nothing so sophisticated. Pearls don't need that sort of drill

[Patstone]

I had a go at drilling sea glass, didnt work very well so decided to keep it in a jamjar on the kitchen window cill. I have wire wrapped a couple of bits but would prefer to have a hole in it.