Gen cut by Ryan Ross. (Facebook/3 Sisters Gemstones)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Lost Art

Sask. man looking to increase interest in coloured gem cutting

Feb 10, 2023 | 3:00 PM

A Saskatoon man is hoping to teach more people how to cut coloured gems to revive the industry in the province.

Ryan Ross’ story started out like a lot of others, he was let go from his job at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after, while searching social media, he ended up finding something that would change his life.

“I was actually looking for sapphires for an engagement ring for my fiancée and I found a gem cutters page and I just kind of fell in love,” said Ross.

In no time, he ended up buying a faceting machine and taught himself, using YouTube videos and getting advice from cutters in the United States, to perfect his craft.

(Facebook/3 Sisters Gemstones)

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Ross quickly figured out he wanted to turn this hobby into a full-time job.

He also found out that there are very few professional coloured gem cutters in the province. Ross said he ended up talking to jewelers across Saskatchewan who told him that they have to get detailed cuts done by people outside of the province.

That’s when he came up with the idea to buy a second faceting machine so he could teach others.

“I don’t want to be the only one, I want more people to have the opportunity to learn the art,” he said. “I want to be the facilitator that brings it to Saskatchewan.”

Despite starting his own business ‘3 Sisters Gemstones,’ which is named after his daughters and got federally incorporated last month, Ross hopes these lessons might encourage others to join the industry professionally.

He believes this would help get the word out that there are people who take the time to design each stone perfectly.

“I think most people don’t know about it,” Ross said. “They don’t know the difference between a good properly cut stone and an improperly cut stone.”

According to Ross, there’s a big difference between properly and improperly cut gems.

“If I were to not cut a stone properly, you would be able to see what’s called a window which means you can see through it, it wouldn’t reflect back properly.”

Meanwhile, Ross has had talks with jewelers in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina who’ve apparently shown interest in his work.

Those interested in learning more about gem cutting are encouraged to visit 3 Sisters Gemstones’ social media pages.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow