"The look on the client's face when they see that one-of-a-kind stone
you have cut just for them is an experience that cannot be put into words,"
says Ron Campbell. He is a gemstone cutter in California. "Knowing that it
will most likely be an heirloom that will be handed down generation after
generation" adds to the satisfaction, he says.
Judi Anderson has a degree in gemology and owns a jewelry
appraisal, design and gemstone acquisition business in New Hampshire. She
is an example of the type of knowledgeable jewelry business owner who will
be judging and buying your work.
"I do not cut any gemstones myself. We do have a number of very talented
lapidarists that cut stones for us. One of them is a woman and very talented.
However, most of our cutters are men," she says.
"I grew up in a family jewelry business and was fortunate to have access
to the world of jewelry from day one. I used to help out in my parents'
jewelry store when I was very young. After college, I...earned my degrees
in gemology, then returned home to the family business," she says.
"Probably the best way to make a name for oneself as a cutter would be
to first learn the basics and excel at fine quality cutting of traditional
shapes. Then, experiment and develop new cutting shapes and styles that are
desired by jewelry designers, consumers and gem collectors worldwide. It may
be a long process, but it can be rewarding."
Jerry Boen of Georgia agrees that it can be rewarding. But he says you
have to have a passionate interest in the work. "Gem cutting has to be something
that resonates with a person's interest. I have people that look at my
work and get excited, and some just think 'so what?' Personally,
I am a loner, but I do enjoy going to gem shows to show my work," says Boen.
"One of the problems is that people generally don't understand what
a difference quality cutting does for a stone. To most people, an amethyst
is an amethyst is an amethyst. If an amethyst is cut correctly, it is purple
fire."
Wayne Prentice of California says there is work to be had. "It is a viable
profession on its own for one who is passionate about their work," he says.
"You have to have an artist's mind and heart to pursue it over time."
But he says it helps to combine skills as a jeweler, designer or gemologist
to be commercially successful.
Prentice specializes in precision faceting of colored gems. "I chose this
focus and work not only because of the artistic and engineering aspects involved
that are rewarding, but because at the time one could not easily find such
gems available on the market," he says.
"Most were poorly cut in overseas factories at the time and one did not
see the quality of work you see today coming out of these same countries,"
he adds.
"One of the biggest thrills comes when you take the gem off the dop stick
and see for the first time the finished gem's beauty. It is truly a creation
that is unique every time. It is also meaningful and rewarding when a buyer
has the same excitement and appreciation for the gem material, its origin
and the work necessary to create it."