In April 2021, I began researching historical lapidary texts after a chance encounter with the mention of "the gemcutting masters of Renaissance Venice" while browsing online. This lead me deep into a rabbithole of texts, articles, and imagery depicting all manner of jewelrymaking and gemcutting from the SCA period.  It also rekindled my childhood desire to learn how to shape these gorgeous stones for myself. 

This drove me to search for local lapidary organizations to try my hand at the craft I was reading so much about. My search ended at the Patuxent Lapidary Guild (PLG) in Annapolis, where I have been learning and working since. They have incredible resources in both equipment and instruction, and I would not be the artisan I am today without their help and support. Alas, PLG has closed its doors in late 2023. If you are interested in smithing and lapidary classes and workspace, I recommend the Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore. 

In spring of 2022, I acquired a modern faceting machine and have since been developing my own studio at home.  I'm working on honing my faceting skills and building a body of research such that I can demonstrate how both gem designs and the equipment used to create them have changed and evolved over the centuries. 

My great aspiration is recreation of a Renaissance lapidary bench and cutting stones not only in historic designs, but by historic methods.

After KASF 2023, where I displayed my Evolution of Gem Design project for the first time, I was approached for An Interview with The Oak! Check it out at that link!