Lee has had a passion and interest for gems and minerals since a young age, and began learning to facet gemstones from his grandfather at the age of 9.  At 14, he started demonstrating gemstone faceting at the International Gem and Jewelry Show, in San Mateo, as well as being an active member of the Contra Costa Gem and Mineral Society facetors guild. After completing his AJP from GIA in 2009, he began to research and experiment with automated faceting machines. Within a few years he completed building a functional automated faceting machine for concave curved cutting. In 2018 Lee presented his research “Impacts and Expectations for the 4th industrial revolution on gemstone faceting" at the 2018 GIA symposium in Carlsbad.  That same year, Lee began entering faceting competitions in Idar-Oberstien and AGTA.

In 2020 Lee placed 3rd in the AGTA Spectrum awards, using both an automated and flat facet machine mixed cutting techniques. Using these same techniques, he received Honorable Mention in the 2022. In 2023, Lee placed 2nd in the AGTA Spectrum award’s Innovative Faceting category with a 121 ct. mix-cut spiral crown and twisted pavilion Amethyst titled, “Multiverse”. In 2024 Lee won 1st place with a 54 cts Natural Aquamarine titled, “Deco Nouveau”.

Lee is currently the Co-President of the San Franciso GIA Alunmi Chapter and an Active member in the East Bay Lapidary Club.

Lee strives to push to boundaries in faceting and polishing technologies and techniques, while maintaining focus on gemstone faceting artistic traditions regarding the feel, touch, and sound a stone makes when being cut and polished.

Our Process - Using a mix of vintage faceting machines and high tech custom built equipment, we strive to produce bespoke, visually stunning pieces, with the intention to meet unique and discerning tastes of our clientele with quality materials and cutting edge designs.

Our Values

Integrity + Creativity + Risk + Innovation

Contact

LWH
LWH@LWH-art.com