Nadine M
Gem Cutter
My passion for gemstones began early through rock hounding and gold panning adventures with my grandmother and father in Southern Oregon. Inspired by local rock shows and museums, I discovered the world of lapidary and gemology at a young age and began faceting lessons shortly after moving to the Tri-Cities. By the age of 12, I had already launched my own LLC and social media page, @ilovegreenrocks to document my growing #mygemjourney and share my love of gemstones and lapidary art.
Driven by a deep appreciation for colored stones and continuous learning, I earned my Associate Degree in Arts and Science before completing the Graduate Gemologist program at Gemological Institute of America. I regularly attend the Tucson Gem Show to continue expanding my knowledge and connections within the gemstone industry and have visited Montana Sapphire, Oregon Sunstone, and California Tourmaline and Garnet mines throughout my career. Along the way, I’ve collaborated on creative projects with renowned lapidary artists through the Alfie Norville Museum and taught lapidary seminars for schools, guilds, and industry organizations.
Nature is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I’m especially drawn to the geometric shapes, patterns, and symmetry found in flowers, butterflies, stars, and natural gemstone formations. My approach to lapidary focuses on enhancing a gemstone’s natural beauty rather than disguising it, allowing each stone’s shape, color, and inclusions to help guide the final design. I believe every gemstone has its own personality and story waiting to be revealed.
Outside of jewelry, I enjoy sketching, drawing, singing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. Whether I’m adventuring through nature, traveling to experience new landscapes, or climbing rocks and trees during a hike, I’m always searching for inspiration and beauty in the world around me.
What I love most about working in jewelry is witnessing the full transformation of a gemstone — from rough material to a finished piece that becomes deeply meaningful to its wearer. Being part of something that symbolizes such special moments in people’s lives is what continues to inspire me every day.