I learned the basics of gemcutting from the late Henry C. (Hank) Hurlburt, who taught for some years at the University of North Carolina and who cut a number of stones for the Smithsonian Institution as well as for jewelers and collectors. For almost 20 years, I have been cutting and polishing a wide variety of stones for jewelers and collectors. I cut faceted stones and cabochons from rough material, recut and repolish chipped or scratched stones, and recut poorly cut stones to make them livelier and more desirable. I also do inlays in jewelry, using materials such as lapis lazuli, black onyx, malachite, turquoise, opal, etc.
There are some things I do not do: I do not do high-volume repetitive cutting (the first one's fun -- after that, it's just work!). I do not cut melee or other tiny calibre stones (stones less than 4 mm in diameter -- they pop off the dop, and then I spend half the day on my hands and knees searching for them). I do not tumble or slab stones. I do not cut diamonds. I do not carve or sculpt stones. To see a few examples of my work, click here or here.
If you are interested in having some work done, please see my new custom cutting website and then see my contact page.. Be sure to include your correct email address so I can get back in touch with you and a description of the work desired. I will give you a preliminary price quote and mailing instructions. After examining the work to be done, I will give you a firm price quote before doing any work.
Due to the inherent risks in gemcutting (primarily internal stress and hidden fractures), all work is undertaken only at the customer's risk; however, I have an excellent track record and have successfully cut gems valued well in excess of $10,000. In the rare instance where a stone cannot be completed, you will be charged only for postage. I can provide you with impeccable references if you so desire.