In a quiet HDB room in Singapore, rough stones that might otherwise go unnoticed are slowly transformed into something extraordinary.
Under the careful guidance of light, angles, and patience, uncut crystals become precision-cut gemstones — sparkling garnets shaped like sakura flowers, stones flecked with natural black inclusions that resemble strawberries, and even rare synthetic gems that glow under ultraviolet light.
Behind some of the gemcutting creations in Singapore is the person behind Beryl & Blade, a Singapore-based gemcutter who has turned a deeply personal hobby into a growing craft, with the hope of bringing the art of faceting to more people here.
From a Humble Room to a Rare Craft
What began as curiosity has since grown into a passion project that now lives out of an HDB bedroom. The local gemcutter shared that over S$10,000 was invested in faceting equipment to learn the intricate craft of cutting gemstones by hand.
Unlike conventional stones often seen in retail jewellery stores, faceting is a highly specialised process that requires precise attention to colour, angles, crystal orientation, depth, and optical properties. Each cut is deliberate. Each surface is shaped to catch light in a way that brings the stone to life.
In Singapore, precision hobby gem cutting remains uncommon. That rarity is precisely what Beryl & Blade hopes to change.
Born From Curiosity
The journey into faceting did not begin as a business idea. It began with a ring. According to the gemcutter, the fascination first started after an anniversary project — a wire-wrapped ring — did not go quite as planned.
But what remained unforgettable were the two precision-cut stones used in the piece: a Cambodian zircon and a synthetic green spinel. Those gemstones opened the door to a new world. What followed was a deep dive into books, techniques, machines, and countless hours of practice.
From there, the craft slowly evolved into something much larger. Today, each stone represents both artistry and ongoing learning.
Gems That Tell a Story
Some of the most striking pieces from Beryl & Blade are far from ordinary. And gemcutting opens opportunities to view rare gemcutting techniques.
One garnet is cut using a frosting technique that gives it the delicate appearance of a blooming sakura flower.
Another carries natural dark inclusions that make it resemble a strawberry suspended in crystal.
Then there are experimental materials rarely seen in local retail spaces, including LuAG, a synthetic garnet known for glowing under UV light. Rather than simply selling gemstones, the aim is to help people appreciate what goes into each finished piece.
Behind every gem lies not just sparkle, but science, craftsmanship, and time.
A Growing Community Around a Rare Craft
The response online has also shown that Beryl & Blade’s work is striking a chord with Singaporeans.
Several viewers praised the intricate cuts and the uniqueness of the hobby, with one commenter writing,
“I’m so glad Singapore is starting to have more unique hobbyists. The gem cuts are so pretty, amazing job you did there.”
Others were quick to express curiosity about the craft itself.
One commenter shared that they had long been interested in gem cutting, asking where the equipment was sourced and how a beginner might start.
In response, the creator behind Beryl & Blade openly shared his own learning journey, noting that his first machine came from Vietnam, though he would not recommend it.
He went on to suggest several starter options for beginners, including more affordable entry-level setups as well as established brands such as Ultratec and Facetron, while noting that these come at a significantly higher cost.
The exchange reflected one of the project’s wider goals — not just showcasing finished gemstones, but helping others better understand the craft behind them.
Some viewers asked when more pieces would be available for purchase, with one saying they would love to buy from the shop.
The creator replied that at least two new gems are released every Sunday, explaining that each stone is cut after work and can take anywhere from three to five hours, or more, to complete.
For a craft still relatively rare in Singapore, the growing interest suggests that precision faceting may be slowly finding its place among a new community of local hobbyists and collectors.
Bringing Faceting to Singapore
At the heart of the project is a desire to make the world of gemstones feel less distant. The founder of Beryl & Blade hopes to introduce Singaporeans to unusual and fairly priced precision-cut stones, while also educating buyers on what to look for when purchasing gems.
In a trade that can often feel opaque to newcomers, the emphasis is on transparency and informed choices. More than just a hobby page, Beryl & Blade has become a space where craftsmanship meets education.
Through regular posts on Instagram and TikTok, the local gemcutter shares both the cutting process and newly completed pieces, with two gems showcased each week. For now, commissions may be closed, but the journey continues — one carefully cut stone at a time.
Find Beryl and Blade on Instagram and TikTok.
Keep up with new pieces on the website.
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