Modified Curving Triangle Mixed Cut
Design and Faceting by Ken Lack
Design and Faceting by Ken Lack
Artist Profile
Ken Lack has been a Graduate Gemologist since 1981. He learned to facet gems back in the late 1970’s from Ed Walden of Portland, Connecticut. Ed owned Gotta-Walden Gem Mine in Portland and would teach small groups of eager students how to facet gems.
Growing up in southern New England, Ken used to visit the old pegmatite mines in search of rocks and crystals. These old mines produced colorful tourmalines, aquamarine, garnets, and various other gem materials.
After becoming a Gemologist in 1981 Ken worked with a number wholesale gem companies in Los Angeles and various retail jewelry stores including three years at Tiffany& Co. in Beverly Hills, California. He now has his own company called Gem Net Ltd. Located in Grants Pass, Oregon. “I truly enjoy seeing a fine piece of rough evolve into a finished sparkling gem.”
Although some gem rough simply looks like broken colored glass to the laymen, people who facet look at these rough pebbles with great anticipation and genuine excitement. “I am constantly amazed at the wide range of spectacular gems and minerals Mother Nature has put before us.”
In 2007, Ken took on the challenge of faceting a large opal from Oregon. This bright yellow/orange gem finished out to weigh over 60 carats and was faceted into an emerald cut. It is now on display in the National Gem Collection within the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. If you are planning a trip there, make sure to look for it among the other colorful opals and gems for all to see.
