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This will teach you how to make a heart out of a small-ish stone or rock (if anyone can tell me the difference between the two I'd really appreciate it). These have many uses and the one shown in this Instructable is going to be made into a pendant (don't worry, I'm going to write an Instructable for that too).
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Signing UpStep 1Gathering Materials
Gathering Stones
You want to find a stone with a roughly triangular shape, and a disirable color. I'm not going to tell you where to find stones because that would be insulting. Everyone should know where to find at least one stone or rock.
Gathering Tools
Your going to need a way to shape the stones. I recommend a 4" angle grinder with a diamond coated sawblade attachment. Most people who aren't familiar with tools are saying, "whaaa?" so I'll explain what they are and where to get them.
4" angle grinder
This is a tool used to grind metal, hence the "girnder" part of the name. It is designed to spin at the appropriate RPM (revolutions per minute) with a 4" blade or grinding wheel, hence the "4"" in the name. the "angle" bit isn't important. Youcan find these at any hardware store, such as home depot (I got mine at Harbor Freight). It'll probably cost about 30$ (U.S. dollars)
Diamond coated sawblade
This is a sawblade designed to cut/grind through glass and stone. The cutting edge is lightly coated with crushed diamonds. I use a drycut one in this Instructable. Again you can find this in almostany hardware store, such as home depot (again I got mine at Harbor Frieght). Expect to pay abou 15$ (U.S. dollars)
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You got incredible results with that angle cutter. GRRRRR hundreds of dollars (probably thousands if I am honest) of equipment and tools, including flat lap, flex shaft, portable wet diamond grinder, etc. I don't think I could do as good a job as you did.
Your blade will last longer if you always keep it wet. Diamond easily over heats and gets pulled out of the metal holding it. = Wrecked blade.
Sanding - if you use wet dry sandpaper, you can put some water on a tray and rub the stone back and forth. I'd go one by one up a few grades to 400 or 600. The smoother it is, the longer your oil is going to keep it looking good.
Mineral oil. Its in the pharmacy section. Cheap, works ... Oil of various kinds has been used for hundred's of years to make stones look better. It is commonly used on emeralds and probably many other precious stones.
Some people say its cheating, but it is a very universal treatment.
Put your stone into a cup of it and leave it for a day or two. Then take out and wipe it off with a soft cloth. You can retreat the stone later if you need too. We have some delicate pseudomorph agates that we would not want to subject to the stresses of polishing. We just soak it good before displaying it.
With hearts like that to impress the love of your life, you will never need diamonds except to polish rocks.
Merry Christmas!