Watch the fascinating process of gemstone carving as skilled hands transform a stone through precision cutting, shaping, and detailed engraving. Using specialized tools, the artisan carefully works on the gemstone's surface to create intricate patterns and artistic details. Each step requires patience, steady hands, and craftsmanship to achieve a refined finish. This behind-the-scenes video offers gemstone enthusiasts, collectors, and carving lovers a closer look at the skill and dedication involved in gemstone carving and lapidary artistry.

Long-time lurker, first post. I work with turquoise and wanted to share what I look for after seeing too many people get burned by fakes:

1. Matrix pattern — real spiderweb webbing is irregular and three-dimensional. Printed or perfectly even "veins" = red flag.
   
2. Density — a pendant worn at the collarbone takes sweat and friction daily. Low-density or chalky material won't survive it.
   
3. White spots — small ones happen, but heavy white patches kill both look and durability.
   
4. The wear test — genuine high-density turquoise actually improves with skin contact. Mine has visibly deepened in color over the years.
   

Happy to answer questions — what do you all check before buying?

(Disclosure: I work with a turquoise workshop, link in profile if anyone's curious — not dropping it here to respect the rules.)

Carving metal is way easier than carving stone. lol

Really love the mix of colors and patterns in this one. Turned this piece of Indonesian petrified palm root into a round cabochon, and I’m pretty happy with how it came out.
What do you think?

Here’s a closer look at the gemstone-making process, where precision tools and careful handwork help shape and polish a stone. The process requires patience, control, and attention to detail to refine the gemstone’s surface and reveal its colors and finish.

It’s fascinating to see how specialized equipment is used during gemstone craftsmanship. Which part of the cutting and polishing process do you find most interesting?

Hey everyone,

​I’m currently on the hunt for a specific stone and could use some guidance or leads. I’m looking for an oval-shaped melanite garnet to set into a men’s pinky ring.

​I really love melanite for its deep, pitch-black color and high adamantine luster—it has a great presence without being overly flashy.

​If anyone has a piece in their inventory, knows a reputable lapidary or cutter who works with black garnets, or can point me toward a vendor that regularly stocks quality calibrated or custom-cut oval melanite, please let me know or drop a comment below.

​Specs I'm roughly aiming for:

​Gemstone: Melanite (Black Andradite Garnet)

​Cut: Oval

​Use: Men’s pinky ring (so looking for a clean, durable stone with good depth)

​Appreciate any recommendations or direct offers!

Hi. I just downloaded reddit just to ask few questions.

I’m currently a college junior double-majoring in Digital Art and Industrial Art. Although I realized early on that this path wasn’t for me, I chose to persevere to meet my strict parents' expectations. While I enjoy the creative process, I've realized that digital design and coding aren't my true passions. My real passion lies in fashion and jewelry design, it’s where I feel most inspired and alive.

Having spent part of my childhood in the US and Canada, I’ve always felt a deep connection to New York City as a major source of artistic inspiration. Currently living in Korea, I feel increasingly disconnected from my creative potential. I recently came across GIA’s 6-month Graduate Gemologist / Jewelry Design program in NYC, and I am eager to know if this program is a worthwhile investment for an aspiring jewelry designer

Any advices and opinions are welcome!!

Enjoying this rare 4.70 carat unheated Padparadscha with a medium pink-orange hue and a wonderful brilliance ✨

Hey everyone,

​I’m currently on the hunt for a specific stone and could use some guidance or leads. I’m looking for an oval-shaped melanite garnet to set into a men’s pinky ring.

​I really love melanite for its deep, pitch-black color and high adamantine luster—it has a great presence without being overly flashy.

​If anyone has a piece in their inventory, knows a reputable lapidary or cutter who works with black garnets, or can point me toward a vendor that regularly stocks quality calibrated or custom-cut oval melanite, please let me know or drop a comment below.

​Specs I'm roughly aiming for:

​Gemstone: Melanite (Black Andradite Garnet)

​Cut: Oval

​Use: Men’s pinky ring (so looking for a clean, durable stone with good depth)

​Appreciate any recommendations or direct offers!

Reassuring colors, a gem of extreme beauty... Your opinion, do you like it?

I keep hearing from my friends and family members (they all are in this field) that 13 pros video and photography is even better than the newer models is that true? I have a cousin that has 17 pro even he keeps his 13 pro on him all the time for these kinda stuff

And besides that any recommendation would be really helpful i am looking to buy an phone for this purpose thanks!!

All I know is that they are 2.23 ct together and that there was a note which said "e 321" attached.

Hello everyone, I would like to know who has the keenest eye to be able to understand what kind of wonderful stone it is🤔

Bought for me from a vendor in Hilo, Hawaii. Been asked multiple times what it is when I wear it. Help please?

Hi everyone!

I’m considering buying this diamond ring as a graduation gift to myself, and I’d really appreciate some advice before spending my money!

I found it on Vinted, originally listed for €750, but the seller agreed to lower the price to €500 (approximately €530 including buyer protection fees).

Here are the specifications:

* Diamond: 1.03 carats (estimated weight)
* Origin: Natural diamond
* Colour: Fancy Intense Yellow Gray
* Clarity: SI1 (cloud inclusions present)
* Cut: Round Brilliant
* Setting: 14K rose gold (585)
* Total ring weight: 1.22 grams
* Certificate: GCI (Gemological Centers), report no. 00C109222
* Estimated retail value according to Catawiki: €3,300–€3,900

The seller claims that the diamond has a natural, untreated colour. However, I noticed that the certificate doesn’t explicitly confirm the natural origin of the colour.

I actually love the unusual greyish/champagne appearance of the diamond, especially because it doesn’t look very yellow in the photos.

My main questions are:

1. Is €500 a reasonable price for a diamond with these characteristics?
   
2. How reliable is GCI certification compared to GIA?
   
3. Is it concerning that the certificate doesn’t explicitly state that the colour is natural and untreated?
   
4. Could the cloud inclusions significantly affect its brilliance or value?
   
5. Does the extremely lightweight setting (1.22 g total) raise any durability concerns?
   
6. What would be a realistic market value for this ring, assuming the specifications are accurate?

The seller doesn’t accept returns for change of mind, so I’d like to be careful before purchasing.

I’m not buying it as an investment. I just want a beautiful, genuine diamond ring to celebrate my graduation and hopefully keep it for the rest of my life.

I’ll attach photos of the ring and its certificate.

Thank you so much for your help! 💎

Anybody know anything about Stone Group Laboratories? Looking to buy a ring and this is where they got the certification. What do their forms look like?

Any idea how much it might be worth?
Would cutting it increase its value?
Thank you in advance

Hey everyone,

​I’m currently on the hunt for a specific stone and could use some guidance or leads. I’m looking for an oval-shaped melanite garnet to set into a men’s pinky ring.

​I really love melanite for its deep, pitch-black color and high adamantine luster—it has a great presence without being overly flashy.

​If anyone has a piece in their inventory, knows a reputable lapidary or cutter who works with black garnets, or can point me toward a vendor that regularly stocks quality calibrated or custom-cut oval melanite, please let me know or drop a comment below.

​Specs I'm roughly aiming for:

​Gemstone: Melanite (Black Andradite Garnet)

​Cut: Oval

​Use: Men’s pinky ring (so looking for a clean, durable stone with good depth)

​Appreciate any recommendations or direct offers!