I'm trying to come up with a better method than I've been using to switch a small stone for another of similar size. The stone is about 1/2 inch in diameter. Right now I am using a cloth bag (If you know what I mean), but have found this to be not right for the trick, so I have resorted to good old sleight of hand. For my story to work, I'd rather use a mechanical switch such as a box, tube, etc. Any thoughts?

Hi Chris!

Maybe a Himber portfolio from the "Ambitious Card" would work!

http://www.theambitiouscard.com/aitem.cfm?itemid=86

Stage or close-up? Also is the stone flat or round?

If stage with a flat stone you could use a false envelope maybe.

D

Use a Devil's hank. Have the "second" stone inside the hank and prefolded. Drop the first stone in the hankerchief, and if it's close-up have someone hold it. Or even hold one hand on the hank and one on the stone through the hank. The switch is already done.

Jim

Doesn't Ammar do a Gypsy Switdh with a peanut? This could easily be adapted to a small stone.
Lou

I remember seeing flip do somthing with a rock on one of his DVD. I believe it also used flash paper.

Also, go to Youtube or Google and type in:

Precious Gems Lecture notes, by Diamond Jim Tyler, and check out the video that comes up.

Y have a number of switches for small objects developed over the years and detailed in "Ball, Cup and Me" and "Sleight and the Family Stone." PM me with more specifics about what yiu are attempting to achieve and I'll send you something.

The 1/2 inch gem/stone is a bit oval. I like Diamond Jim's routine, but I want it to be examinable - sort of. The gypsy switch could work with some heavy paper. Hmmm. I thought something along a box or even a pill container or tube. I tried the hank, but needed to ditch the stone. It did not fall into my theme.

I will be using a stone/gem approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. It is to be passed out for examination (I mean a real examination) then handed back to me. At this point I want to drop it into a switch bag/box/tray/can, etc. This is to be placed on the table then all hands will encircle the box for a few moments. The box is opened, and the rock/gem has changed.

Keep your thoughts coming, this is very helpful.

Bruce Elliot book. THE BEST IN MAGIC. Coin switch by John A.M. Howie, called REWARDS, I think. Uses ungimmick hanky, yet no (or little) sleight. Beautiful thing.

PM me if you want more info.

I'll grab my Elliot book - it's on the shelf.

Maybe you can use a pea can trick to switch.
Ray

Ray - that's exactly what I did do! Works perfect. I had another effect which was similar to this one and got a PM on how to deal with the larger gem.

Thanks everyone for all the thoughts, time and ideas.