Open to opportunities

Houston gems

@houstongems

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Lead lapidary artist and gemologist delivering high-precision faceting quality.

Pakistan

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a studio or workshop where I can lead high-precision gemstone faceting, manage production end-to-end, and uphold zero-defect quality for premium wholesale and client-ready stones.

I’m a Lead Lapidary Artist and Gemologist with a studio-focused career built on advanced lapidary arts and years of intensive, daily production. I combine gemstone identification foundations with high-precision craftsmanship to produce premium, market-ready stones.

Through training and hands-on practice, I’ve mastered pre-forming (bouching), recutting, cabochon cutting, and rough stone evaluation to maximize material yield and beauty. I maintain a “zero-defect mindset” and use tools like refractometers, microscopes, and spectroscopes to support accurate work and consistent grading.

Now as a self-employed studio owner, I manage full-cycle operations—inventory, procurement, and production scheduling—while executing complex custom faceting for superior light return, symmetry, and quality assurance. I also consult clients on stone selection, cutting styles, and material potential, guiding them from certification-ready sourcing to final market delivery.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Studio Owner - Lapidary

Current

Ummar Ashraf

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Manage full studio operations including procurement, inventory, and production scheduling, while executing custom faceting for high-value gemstones with strong light return and symmetry. Advise clients on cutting styles and material potential and maintain premium grading standards through rigorous quality assurance.

Advanced Gemstone Faceting Custom Faceting Pre Forming (Bouching)Rough Stone Evaluation Recutting & Finishing Cabochon Cutting Precision Polishing Studio Operations Quality Assurance

Gemstone Trainee

Contact Stylo Gems

Jan 2017 - Jan 2018 (1 year)

Assisted in diagnostic examination of gemstone varieties using standardized testing to ensure accurate classification. Performed initial shaping and pre-forming of rough stones, focusing on waste reduction and material optimization.

Gemstone Identification Standardized Testing Diagnostic Tests Rough Stone Pre Forming Initial Shaping Lapidary Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Gems & Gemological Institute

Advanced Lapidary Apprentice, Gemstone Faceting & Gemology

2019 - 2023

Activities and societies: Trained under a master faceting & gemology gemcutter; operated Facetron skills and hand-piece machines; practiced complex angles/symmetry; performed pre-forming (bouching), recutting, cabochon cutting, gemstone repair, precision polishing, and gemological grading.

Completed intensive professional-level training as an advanced lapidary apprentice, focusing on high-precision gemstone cutting.