Whenever I’m asked to repair a gemstone, I try to get the story behind why the gemstone was damaged. I admit that part of me just wants to know the “gory details” about the accident. But the professional gemcutter is looking for some insights into what it takes to damage a gem & how best … Read More
Recut & Repair
82ct Tanzanite Transformed
A couple months back, I bought a huge 82ct premium color tanzanite that had been badly heat damaged, likely from a (very inadvisable) steam-bath. Given the quality of color & size of the stone, whoever broke it took a big financial hit. The image above suggests it would be best to just divide the stone … Read More
Dangerous Feathers
Gemstone repair is one of the services I offer to the jewelry trade. All gemstones (diamond included) will take wear over time, especially if they’re used in rings. Happily, the great majority of the stones can be repaired with minimal loss. But occasionally the damage done cannot be removed. For example: I recently received an … Read More
Recut Project: Untreated Yellow Sapphire Round
All large sapphires are rare. In today’s market, untreated sapphires of any fine color are very rare indeed. Sizable round, untreated, fine color sapphires? Well, suffice to say that they’re almost impossible to source when you want one. That’s why I invested in this large, untreated yellow sapphire at the AGTA show in Tucson this … Read More
Spessartite Garnet Recutting Project
Last month I received a very large spessartite garnet from one of my wholesale brokers — over 18ct! Spessartite this large is rather rare, but because of the cut and obvious inclusions, it just wasn’t selling for him. So, after some discussion, we decided the stone would be best recut to a more salable shape … Read More
Recut Project: Yellow Sapphire Square Cushion
I just wrapped up a fun recutting project. A client needed a 6mm square cushion yellow sapphire with fine color, high clarity and untreated (if possible). I was able to find a badly proportioned square at Tucson this year and was reassured by the vendor it’s untreated. I’ll be sending the stone to the AGL … Read More
Green Zircon Recut
About a month ago, a client contacted me with a special project for his wife. He wanted to make a custom pendant for her using a gemstone that was both unusual and suited her as a geologist. After some discussion, we settled on green zircon. Zircon is both a visually interesting gemstone and an important … Read More
Smokey Quartz Recut
Recut Smokey Quartz trilliant When I introduced myself to a jeweler, I like to explain the difference between my gemcutting and what is more commonly seen in the trade. I like to point out the fact that all of my stones are designed to be mounted. In choosing designs, I avoid sharp corners, overly thin … Read More