Jim became interested in jewelry making in the mid 70’s when his Father in Law, an avid rock hound, walked him through the process of lost wax casting and helped him make a ring.
His interest was put on hold for several years until he found some jewelry classes at the local Community Arts Center. When a faceting class was offered in the Fall of 2000 he jumped at it, and at the first glint of a polished facet he was hooked — but good!
After about a year, during which he cut through all the patterns in “Introduction to Meet Point Faceting” – several times – he was looking for someone to evaluate his stones and offer suggestions as to how he could improve his cutting. Then he stumbled onto the USFG Yahoo list. After joining USFG, and receiving considerable encouragement, he decided to enter the USFG Single Stone Competition in 2002, scoring 3rd place in the Novice class. That simply drove him to improve his skills, and led to more and more competition.
Jim has now been on four USA teams for the International Faceting Challenge hosted by the Australian Faceters’ Guild every two years. The five member teams have won two gold and two silver team medals. He also won the 2005 and 2007 USFG North American Faceting Challenges.
Primarily a hobby faceter, he continues to enter competitions, as well as serving as a judge for the USFG.
