Gemstone carving is as old as mankind itself, wherever in the world excavations of earlier civilisations have occurred some form of art is always evident, in most cases bas-relief carving is the most prolific. As well as being carved in to semi precious and igneous rock in large murals many precious intaglio seals and small ornamental carvings have been found in caves, burial mounds, pyramids, and tells all over the world. The Egyptians worked with many varieties of stones and precious metal and superb examples of their work can be seen in Museums around the world. Gold inlaid with Lapis Lazuli, in the form of Gods, animals, and insects and many symbolic burial items was one of their sacred stones. The four colossi at the entrance to the tomb of Ramesses ll, the mystical Sphinx carved from a solid block of rock are just some of the carvings that have inspired many artists to continue this art form. The Greeks had a fascination with rock crystal and thought it to be water turned to stone by the Gods. Drinking cups carved from solid rock crystal, engraved emeralds, rubies and semi precious stones were some of the many everyday objects they used.

The Chinese had and still do have a penchant for fine jade as personal adornment and one of the largest and finest jade carvings is the famous Green Buddha. The ancient temples were always repositories of beautiful carvings adorned with precious jewels. The intricate style of the Chinese gem stone carvers has never been equalled.

In the 1800's the house of Faberge' in Russia created some of the finest gemstone carvings for the Aristocracy both in Russia and all of Europe, the Tzars' family were responsible for the commissioning of the surprise Easter Eggs all hand carved from gemstones and embellished with gold silver and precious jewels. The flower, animal, and caricature figure carvings all can be seen in many museums especially in America to where many of their patrons fled during the Revolution. The present Queen of England is in possession of one of the finest collections of hardstone carvings from the house of Faberge'.

Water as a power source came with progress and large grinding wheels were turned before carvers, who took the position of laying before the big wheels, and grinding their jewels before them. The most famous of these centres was Idar-Oberstein in Germany and still is today. Their carvings are the ultimate prize in many famous collections.

Electricity may have replaced the bow drill used by the ancient Chinese but many of the tools compounds and techniques used by the ancients are still being utilised by the modern carver today, we have diamond impregnated tools, motor driven sanding and polishing machines.

Today's modern carver not only designs and makes beautiful objet d'art but usually also combines this with jewellery making skills to create unique pieces.

Carving is a labour of love, the love of creating something beautiful from a lump of rock, the love of the craft of carving.

We encourage discussions with individual Artists and will arrange an introduction so that you may pursue a specific request.