Tanzanite Cutting Jamboree at Lapigems

Aug. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Lapigems Gem Company recently held a gem cutting jamboree at their offices. Master cutters competed for the auspiscious recognition of being in the top 10 gem cutters in the local industry.

The competition involved several different types of cut starting with simpler cuts like step cuts and proceeding through Portuguese cuts and on to fantasy cuts. The techniques were judged by industry professionals and the final cut stones donated to Kibera Children's Foundation.

The competition was fierce and close. Cutters were judged on the speed with which they completed individual stones as well as the overall cut quality. Several different faceters were in use with the Imahashi being most favored. Several different gem types were tested. Tanzanite was one of the harder stones to cut due to its relative softness and Ruby judged equally as strictly due to its more difficult polish.

Eight cutters made it to the final with Lapigems Gem Company's Joseph Githuka carrying home the title after 8 hours of hard fought rivalry. His Portuguese cuts were consistently brilliant with excellent proportions. His fantasy cut Imperial Bird of Prey was considered the most innovative.

Joseph is an expert Tanzanite cutter due to his many years working at Lapigems Gem Company and their close association with Tanzanites in the finer qualities.

http://www.lapigems.com/tanzanite.asp