lse138

1. I have bought good rough on Ebay, but I've also been shafted. I do not recommend Ebay. There are a few good shops online, like TMSgems.com that sell quality rough. I usually pick up my rough at gem/rock shows. I bring along a gem light and a hand loupe to check the rough. You can also buy some Refractol, it's a liquid that has a high RI that will make the stone translucent and you can see any internal inclusions.
2. There isn't really a kit, per say. But I would recommend taking a faceting class at a local rock/gem club.
3. Quartz , it can be a pain in the ass as it has a tendency to scratch, but it's dirt cheap and comes in some nice colors.
4. I would recommend buying this book: https://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Gemstone-Faceting-1-Essentials/dp/3000474749

I like Moissanite, it's 9.5 mohs in hardness and has an RI (refractive index) of 2.65, compared to diamonds 2.42. So it's cheaper and has more fire.

Most local rock/gem clubs do faceting classes, usually a weekend or a week long for around $50-300. Faceting machines are expensive! You can get an OK one for around $1,000-$1,500 new, or you can buy a good one used for $2-3k.

I actually started out with a flat lap and a handpiece, total investment of $700.

I've never taken GIA courses, but if you want to know more about gemstones, there is a free gemology course from Barbara Smigel online here: http://www.bwsmigel.info/. The wholesale market is pretty much captured by the cutting warehouses overseas. Most faceters cut as a hobby, very few cut for work.

Tourmaline, it's gorgeous and it's so easy to cut and polish. Plus, it comes in quite a few colors and even with two-three colors.