I got started in cutting gemstones as an outgrowth of my geology (M.S.) background. I worked in the precious metals mining industry as a drill site / exploration geologist for over 15 years. Companies hired me because I also had my own thin section lab, so I was a contractor of many “hats”. This industry had its ups and down cycles (like that of the oil industry). So, in 1989 I began a search for other opportunities, but one where I could use my geology background.
I was lucky enough to be given a referral to speak with a high-end gemstone cutter, a true Master, in Boulder, Colorado. After talking on the phone for hours I was invited to come up to Boulder for further conversations. I spent the next weekend doing just this; learning about the skills needed to begin “faceting”.
Thus began a new chapter in my life. I started my “apprenticeship” in the Spring of 1990. On my next visit a few weeks later, I learned about materials by clipping, sawing, and preforming, to make cabochons. After about a year, I asked if I was ready for faceting — yes, if I could pass the “test”. I was given the basic tools and concepts. I got a demonstration and watched the “Master” do some facets. The test: to put in a few rows on the pavilion; make facets that looked good in shape, no mashed meets; and last, and most important, could I “see” the polish. If not, I was to be washed out. My first stone was a round (with 112 facets) rhodolite garnet, weighing in at 2.84 carats — a stone with a modified Portuguese cut. Pretty nice little stone for my first. It sits in my display cases, labelled “#1”.
For many years I cut things like rhodolite, citrine, amethyst, and tourmaline. With time I graduated to sapphires, spinels, beryls and other types of garnets. Over the years I have found that I really appreciate cutting high-end garnets, spinels and beryls. They offer a variety of colors, and are pretty easy to cut and polish. The hard part is finding quality rough.
Today, my family is involved in this business: my wife, Renee, and daughter, Natalie. They help at my gem shows. They have learned the business, know their gemstones and handle a lot of the marketing. When time allows, they are always out at the shows looking for gemstone “rough”. Our philosophy is pretty simple — three steps. (1) We start with color: it has to be vibrant and saturated. The women help a lot here as they appear to have that feminine insight that I value. (2) Clarity of the stone, i.e. inclusions, flaws, etc. They are getting better with clarity as they learn how to see it with experience and instruction. So, if the “scouts” like what they see, then next is for the cutter to further evaluate the stones and get a good price. And, finally, (3) I put a great scintillating cut on the stone. We call this the “Three Cs”: color, clarity, cut. Last, in regard to our rough, we usually know the location and sometimes the mine where it comes from. I have been working with some of my rough dealers for over 30 years now. They know what I am looking for.
Thus, we offer you a unique, well-balanced colored stone, with a great scintillating cut at a reasonable price — a “cutter’s price”.
At our gem shows we spend a lot of time informing our customers and answering questions. We offer the same quality of service on this website as well. We are here to help. We really appreciate — and take it as a compliment — when people thank us for making them more knowledgeable, even if they do not buy from us. For those that do invest, many are repeat customers since they love their past purchases. Customers have found the appraisal value of their stones is worth a lot more than their purchase price.
Buying a gemstone can be a big investment for many. As we all know, it can be used in jewelry, put aside as an investment, given as a gift, or get guys “out of the doghouse”. While we cannot offer you in-person service on this website, we are always available to answer questions. Please e-mail or phone us. We love it when customers return to show us what they have done with their purchase. We hope to display one of your stones on our “Customer page” some day.
Thank you for spending your time reviewing our website. Welcome to The Cutter’s Bench.
Bruce Furst