I am a studio-based lapidary artisan located in Sydney, Australia, specializing in the precision faceting and carving of gemstones. My work encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, from traditional and modern designs to unique, one-of-a-kind creations.
I find joy and satisfaction in the journey of transforming a rough stone into a polished gem full of light and wonder. This creative process involves an ever deepening appreciation of the many types of gems and minerals out there in the world, exploring ideas, learning and refining techniques, and continuously developing my skills. Each piece I work on has been carefully considered and given due time, attention and respect in order to bring out the best I can from that stone.
Basic Terms and Definitions
Lapidary - An overall term used to refer to gemstones and the art of working with them, as well as a person who cuts, polishes, carves or engraves gemstones. Comes from the latin word "lapis" meaning "stone".
Gemcutter - A person who uses a machine or handheld device to facet rough stones into a polished gems.
Gem Carver - A person who shapes and polishes gemstones into decorative pieces using tradition hand techniques and modern technology.
Glyptic - The art or process of carving or engraving onto gemstones, especially in the form of intaglios and cameos.
Oberon Sapphires - Supernova Ovals - 2.6ct, 3.44ct
and the original 16.25ct rough stone they were cut from
Shop Gemstones and Carvings
Discover the art of the gemcutter and see just how beautiful gems can be when given the time, attention and respect they deserve.
The gems and carvings showcased on my website represent just a small selection of what I have available in my extensive backroom inventory so if you’ve been searching everywhere for your perfect gem and still can’t find it, get in touch and let me know what you’re chasing.
What to Look for When Buying a Gem
To take the mystery out of buying a gemstone read my guide. It has information and tips that could save you money and help avoid the disappointment of purchasing an inferior gem.
I know just how daunting and downright confusing looking for a gemstone can be. It can certainly feel like a bit of a wild west show out there and hard to know who to trust. Hopefully this information will be of some assistance.
If you have any questions feel free to get in touch.
Lapidary Services and Gem Repairs
I offer a full range of lapidary services including high quality gemcutting, gem carving, repairing damaged and scratched gems, repolishing old worn gems, cutting new gems from rough and recutting poorly finished commercial gems.
Find out more here.
Commissions and Custom Orders
I do take commissions and custom orders so if you would like something specially carved or cut, perhaps from a piece of rough that you or a family member have found or for a birthday present or to mark an anniversary or significant event get in touch with me to discuss your requirements and lets see what we can come up with.
Gem Rough
Before they become polished gems and carvings they are first rough stones, colourful and raw, beautiful and full of promise and a thousand possibilities. Some are truly ancient whose existence is measured in aeons, others as recent as volcanic eruptions and dinosaurs. Each and every time I pick up one of these rough stones I have a moment of awe and wonder as if I have just met a friend from deep time. Every stone has it’s own story to tell.
On this page is a gallery of photos showing stones in their original raw form and if nothing else it’s some delicious eye candy.
Next Steps
Once you’ve found your perfect gem, the next step is turning it into a beautiful piece of jewellery. I can recommend reliable jewellers who have worked with my gems in the past and consistently deliver exceptional results. These are the jewellers I trust when I want something made.
