A Tribute Dedicated in Memory to a Talented Facetor/Friend, Stephen Kotlowski (BS, GG(GIA), CSM)

Stephen Kotlowski in front of his ever present Ultra Tec, giving his "thumbs up" frequently seen in photos. Note "some" of his awards displayed.

Jan. 5, 1953 - Oct. 20, 2015

Sad News for the Cutting/Gemstone Community:
Stephen Kotlowski, a Supreme Master Gem Cutter and Facetor of our finest colored gemstones, passed away unexpectedly in Sedona, in October of 2015, where he had been living for the past five years. His giving nature and willingness to share his decades of knowledge and experience with others who had interest or the need, will certainly be missed. The owner of All That Glitters had met him for the first time over 20 years ago (as both had been contacted by the first person to introduce Color Changing Turkish Diaspore to the trade), and worked closely with him over the past 12 years for recutting and cutting the finest color that was in the All That Glitters inventory. Though All That Glitters had used many fine cutters in the past, including other award winners, Stephen was special in many ways and our very fine rough went to Stephen after 2003. Stephen was extremely meticulous and patient when cutting difficult gemstones such as Diaspore and Kunzite. No one could re-cut a gemstone with such a minimal loss as Stephen; he frequently created new cuts that were determined by the rough and didn't work off of design diagrams. For these on-the-fly custom designs, he would use "UK" (Uniquely K - for Uniquely Kotlowski) along with the general description of the shape to describe his new cut. He won numerous awards in the AGTA Cutting Competition (as well as others) in the past. The gemstone community has lost not only a master in cutting, but a gentle kind person who had many interests he shared with others, was done to earth and freely gave his knowledge/help. This page is dedicated to his work that we currently have in inventory or have recently sold.

AGS - Supreme Master (Faceting)

Portions of two emails from Stephen, 7/8/2012, regarding how he should be referred to in All That Glitters News Releases and when mentioned in general:

"...this was the first and second years of the ASGC that was created by Jerald Wycoff in Washington, DC and I entered the "The Competitive Evaluation" to see how I would do under the Professional category and was lucky enough to win the first year and also the second year which was required to do plus pass with a high score in a written Gemology general knowledge exam to be "Certified" as a Supreme Master Gem Cutter under this new organizations rules... this was the first ever evaluation that I had ever entered and I beat out some stiff competition of over 200 entries, this all the while working for Kremetnz Gemstones as there Head lapidary... some really good times back then!..." ...attached is my current Bio plus photo documentation of my CSMG (its actually not just CSM, the proper way to display was CSM-F, F- for faceting and then after completing the written test I was awarded CSMG the G replacing the F for Gemcutter the highest ranking)...

AGS - Supreme Master Gemcutter

All gemstones below were faceted by Stephen Kotlowski (or re-faceted) from All That Glitters rough or gemstones that we both felt would be enhanced and benefit by proper cutting/angles/polish. They are listed alphabetically by gemstone species. Photos of Stephen are scattered throughout.

55.88ct Synthetic Alexandrite - Could be the largest ever faceted!

This large Synthetic Alexandrite is from our Laser Rod material, and was faceted by our Award Winning Supreme Master Gemcutter - Stephen Kotlowski. We have many pictures showing the progression from the rough to the finished gem seen above. It measures 25.25x20.12x16.08mm. The polish is incredible as our cutter used 200k diamond powder in the final polishing step. Depending on the lights, the body color is pinkish red, amethyst purple and under a 65k Lumichrome Full Spectrum light, the color can be a greenish, bluish or teal. Normal lighting conditions show a more purplish body color with teal or blue highlights dancing around the internal facets! We haven't been able to obtain accurate color photos of Alexandrite or Ruby at times, possibly due to the Chromium. The gem may have a body color of teal to our eyes, but the camera sees it as a very different color,. Even when the office fluorescents show a purple color, cameras are seeing bright pinkish red! This was custom faceted for one of our customers. It is up for sale using All That Glitters as a broker, as our customer has home repairs that require large sums of money. If you have an interest in this this piece, please email us for more details. SOLD!

This Large Blue Apatite from Madagascar weighs in at 8.60cts and was faceted by our Award Winning Supreme Master Gemcutter, Stephen Kotlowski. He has called this cut the Owl Half Moon. There is some green, making this a beautiful teal color, but the predominant color is blue! Unheard of in this size, cutting and clarity. This rough was obtained in Madagascar over 10 years ago! (mj3inc-04-03c) Approximately: 13.98x10.14x8.64mm You can see the actual rough from which this was faceted by visiting the JCK Article from 2004 on Apatite: JCK Apatite Article

Results just back from our Master Cutter(Stephen Kotlowski), a 10.15ct Kitty Kat Kut Teal Madagascar Apatite! Unheard of in this size, cutting and clarity. This rough was obtained in Madagascar over 10 years ago! (mj3inc-04-02b) Approximately: 17.15x9.13x8.33mm You can see the actual rough from which this was faceted by visiting the JCK Article from 2004 on Apatite: JCK Apatite Article

Almost a 13ct ct Neon Apatite!!

This Neon Blue Apatite hails from the same country that produced our previous neon Apatites, including the ones that were photographed by GIA for a future article. This particular gem was faceted from a piece of rough that appeared in JCK magazine. (The piece of rough is the largest in the photo, and appears far more green in the photo than in person.) JCK Apatite Article The All That Glitters Neon Apatites have received much press because of their size, color and clarity. This one falls into that category too, but it was also faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski. Each facet meets perfectly. The future owner could enter this piece into one of the annual cutting competitions. The color of this gemstone is diffrernt from the other simiilar gemstones we have faceted. This is not a true blue, but more of a bluish green or deep teal. Unique Deep Bluish Green Apaptite faceted by our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, who called this color Caribbean. 17.38x12.03x9.20mm (mj3inc-04-02a) Gemstones New Edition

A Cut Above the Rest - Stephen Scores Big (99.9/100) in Competition. His talent is recognized.

17.80ct Tajikistan Yellow Beryl

This beauty was just returned by our Master Facetor (Stephen Kotlowski). It is a piece of yellow beryl purchased about 10 years ago from Tajikistan. The faceting is Competition Cutting as is all work from this cutter. Every facet junction meets perfectly and the life/sparkle is incredible. This could be entered in a cutting competition such as the AGTA Cutting Edge Competition. 19.90x13.60x10mm (blumnt-97-01a)

12.35ct Tajikistan Yellow Beryl

This beauty was faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski. It is a piece of yellow beryl purchased about 10 years ago from Tajikistan. The faceting is Competition Cutting as is all work from this cutter. Every facet junction meets perfectly and the life/sparkle is incredible. This could be entered in a cutting competition such as the AGTA Cutting Edge Competition. (blumnt-98-01a) Gemstones - New Edition Gemstones: New Edition (front cover) Gemstones: New Edition (back cover)

4.60ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Mixed 12 Main Brilliant Rectangle, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competion Award Winner - Stephen Kotlowski. This was photographed under office fluorescent light and there was another light source to the left. The main body color was a nice green and the flashes, as you can see, were pink, reddish and even peach! Though great looking under just fluorescent or incandescent light, we really enjoy seeing the unique coloring and optical effects when two light sources are available. Contact us to learn more or for a price. (11.2x6.38x7.05mm) SOLD!(Jewelry Manufacturer/Designer)

4.68ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, "Gone Askew Rhombus", faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competion Award Winner, Stephen Kotlowski. This was photographed under diffused office fluorescent lights, with a small penlight illuminating the gemstone from above. The incandescent penlight gives the peach, orange, red highlights. Depending on the light source, one can see the following depending on those wavelengths available in those light sources: Office Fluorescent: Beige or beige-green Brinkman Fluorescent: Better green than above Diffused Daylight (by a window, under a tree, etc.): Shows the best Green under the lighting conditions tested. Incandescent/spot: Bronzy Pink (14.81x9.24x7.82x6.36mm) (As seen in Cedar WIngs Magazine)

4.75ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Mixed 12 Main Brilliant Rectangle, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner - Stephen Kotlowski. 11.73x6.62x7.39mm SOLD!(SW) See the custom ring designed for this piece...Custom Jewelry
Eye Clean, the finest cutting available, color change varies under different lights - these are the optimum colors ranging from a tan/beige, to a variation of green to a variation of bronze or pink. Call or email for price quotes.

Stephen in his workshop in Newburgh, NY, where I used to spend many hours with him viewing rough, trimming the rough and choosing pieces to leave with him to 'work his magaic". Also learned how to facet here and even left my Ultra Tec with Stephen for some time as he tweaked the machine to perform at it's best. He knew the Ultra Tec inside and out - literally...

5.25cts Color Change Diaspore
Mixed Brilliant Trilliant 10.81x10.81x10.81x7.17mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski (trv-05-01c)

6.05ct UK Start Cushion Round This is a VERY lively gemstone. The color might be considered lighter in the green or pink, but the sparkle is tremendous! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski. 12.21x12.21x7.90mm (trv-05-01i) SOLD! (United Kingdom) Some of the customers comments are below: My stone arrived about an hour and a half ago and ever since I have been walking around the house and outside in the garden with it in my hand (carefully of course...). I must be honest and say that I was prepared to be disappointed as you can never quite judge a photo and indeed I have never seen this stone in the flesh before. I was wowed by the sparkle when I opened the box - your website description is totally accurate in that this is such a lively stone. I don't think I've seen a better cut stone and I certainly don't possess one! The facet arrangements are unlike any I've seen before and I was expecting a flat table for some reason from the photo but the cutting is fantastic and I LOVE it. I imagine I will grow to love this stone more as already I have seen a distinct colour change from my kitchen where it is a beige champagne to outside where it is a bright almost lime green. I have seen some salmon pinks running through but I'm sure these might come out more at night. It is early days and I'm sure this stone will change and have different nuances throughout the day and night which I haven't yet had enough time to look at and appreciate. Thanks once again for the speed and efficiency of this transaction and I will be back to purchase again in the future - as i said I do have my eye on a spessartite garnet next but could be tempted also by another diaspore.........

6.15ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Mixed Modified Long Cushion, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner. 13.68x6.81x8.23mm

Eye Clean, the finest cutting available, color change varies under different lights - these are the optimum colors ranging from a tan/beige, to a variation of green to a variation of bronze or pink. Call or email for price quotes.

6.20ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Brilliant Diamond Cut Emerald, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner (Stephen Kotlowski. 12.13x7.75.8.03mm This beauty appears in two editions of a book on gemstones! Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition

6.50ct Color Change Diaspore
Uniquely Flash Trilliant 11.45 x 11.45 x 11.45 x 7.92(d)mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski (trv-05-01b)

8.95ct Rare Color Changing Diaspore - Split Facet Long Cushion Faceted by a well known Master Facetor - Stephen Kotlowski

Wonderfully cut with a nice color change. A few inclusions under power, but not visible with the unaided eye. This is to be expected within this rare gemstone. This was faceted by a cutter who has won cutting competions, and in one case, it was for cutting Diaspore. The photos have been color corrected to show what one sees under the appropriate lights. As a rule of thumb, this material behaves in the following manner: Office Fluorescent : Beige with Green over tones Indirect Daylight: Light to Medium Green Incandescent light: Variation of light to medium Pink Mixture of two lights: Body color is green with wonderful peach high lights internally Call or email for price quotes.

Stephen in his workshop, new location(?) - Sedona, AZ.

9.00ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, "Compass Rose" Apex Cushion, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competion Award Winner, Stephen Kotlowski. This was photographed under diffused office fluorescent light with a fiber optic light source to the left. The main body color was a nice green and the flashes, as you can see, were pink, reddish and even peach! Office Fluorescent: Yellowish Green Brinkman Fluorescent: Deep Celery Green Diffused Daylight (by a window, under a tree, etc.): Wonderful green, similar to some Tourmaline Incandescent/spot: Bronzy Pink or Peach Note that the name of this cut comes from the fact that it does not have a flat table, but has numerous facts that create a cross or compass design. This gem has some inclusions which is typical of Diaspore. The cutting hides them nicely. Like natural Alexandrite, one must typically understand the material and know that color, size, cutting, inclusions and color change are usually a tradeoff. Contact us to learn more or for a price. (11.40 x 10.80 x 9.95mm)

Another INCREDIBLY Brilliant, Sparkly, Eye Clean Diaspore faceted from our rough by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski. The faceting design is a Modified Princess Rectangle - but for all intensive purposes, it is a square, cut with similar facets to a Princess Cut, thereby giving it Lots of Life! This beauty weights a whopping 9.05cts. In this case, we decided to use the cameras setting to simulate different lighting conditions. It is very difficult to get accurate color photos of most gemstones that color change. Typically, the camera sees a different color than what the eye sees. The colors seen in this gem, obviously vary depending on what lights are available. We have seen a beige, smoky green, yellowish green and a champagne pink - and all variations in between! Dimensions of this piece are: 11.70x11.09x8.87mm (aldrov-06-01c)

10.90ct UK 5 Star Portuguese Round! We haven't seen a round in this material before; perhaps the most difficult shape to obtain because of the habit (shape) of the original Diaspore crystal. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski. 14.20x9.12mm (trv-05-01g)

11.15ct UK Formee Cross Rectangle Very lively as you can see. Lots of life and a very decent green. Would describe the pink as possibly a smoky pink or dark pink champagne. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski. 13.12x11.00x10.47mm (trv-05-01h)

11.25ct Flash Keystone A very interesting shape and play of life within the stone. The interaction of the light acts as if there are two different stones - the left side and the right side. Colors can be different on either side at the same time - have seen green on one, and pink on the other! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski. 18.47x(9.86x6.56)x8.44mm (aldrov-06-01d)

11.50cts Color Change Diaspore
Special Brilliant Cushion with Apex Crown 14.15 x 10.33 x 10.11mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner (Stephen Kotlowski)

Stephen in front of a case containing what is believed to be Colorado Topaz, found by Richard Fretterd, from the TV show, Prospectors. Stephen had been cutting some fine very large Topaz from this particular find for Richard over the past few years.

12.25ct UK Split Facet Emerald Cut Another wonderfully lively gemstone with a good green body color. Hard to capture the true color green and that is why we photographed this in incandescent light showing the good pink! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski. (aldrov-06-01b) 13.36x11.46x9.96mm

13.00ct Color Change Diaspore
Unique S u p r e m e Rectangle 17.09 x 8.08 x 11.32(d)mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski

18.80ct UK Parchesey Cushion A very large Diaspore and we believe it to be clean, like a number of other larger pieces that we have. This has a number of different colors present at one time. There are hints of orangy gold even under our office fluorescent lights. Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner) - Stephen Kotlowski. 17.32x14.84x9.50mm (aldrov-06-01a)

22.75ct Diaspore!

22.75ct Color Change Turkish Diaspore, Step Cut Oval, faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner (Stephen Kotlowski). 17.58x14.16x12.45mm

26.25ct Rare Color Changing Diaspore - Modified Opposed Bar Rectangle Faceted by a well known Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski

An incredibly large and clean example of the rare gemstone. Under very bright lights, one inclusion can be seen. This is to be expected within this rare gemstone. This was faceted by a cutter who has won cutting competions, and in one case, it was for cutting Diaspore. The photos have been color corrected to show what one sees under the appropriate lights. As a rule of thumb, this material behaves in the following manner: Office Fluorescent : Beige with Green over tones Indirect Daylight: Medium to Deep Green Incandescent light: Medium to Deep Pink, Red highlights Mixture of two lights: Body color is Green with wonderful Peach, Orange, Red hilights internally

28.51ct UK Brilliant Square; The largest Diaspore that we currents have in inventory, with the largest one being a 33+ct gem since the introducation of this material to the trade back in about 1995. At 33+cts, we had a News Release that a World Class Gemstone had found a new home - a collector/investor on the West Coast! Faceted by our Master Cutter (an AGTA Cutting Competition Winner), Stephen Kotlowski. Outside Diameter: 17mm (trv-05-01f)

Stephen displaying a recently won award/acknowledgement for his cutting.

Large 7.80ct faceted Pentagon Star shaped Ruby Red Garnet from Africa. Faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski; photo taken by Stephen after completion. Difficult to photograph the brilliance or the color. Under most lights, one see a deep ruby red with sparkle and brilliance. May contain Chromium! 11.33x11.33x8.62mm (hv-05-04b)

Last faceted gem from the bicolor crystal of Kunzite, originating in the famous Oceanview Mine in California, and faceted by out Award Winning Supreme Master Gem Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski. This is a piece that we might have entered into the AGTA's Cutting Edge Competition, but the cut off date for entries was like last week! Another unique custom cut that one could call a Trilliant-like Pear, or a Trilliant or a Pear-like Trilliant. It would look stunning set as a pendant; possibly a pearl enhancer?? This was photographed under diffused natural light and depending on the lights, it will have that wonderful blue secondary color as has been seen from the unique crystal that it was faceted from. Color has been described as purple, but lights will make it look more pink or purple, and both colors may show that blue glow. This measures in at a whopping 47.82cts with dimensions of 21.40 x 23.30 x 18.03mm. (ovml-12-03d) SOLD!(Jewelery Manufacturer/Designer)

43.86ct California Kunzite, Oceanview Mine, Big Kahuna Zone approx late 2010 (3rd gemstone from an unique bi-color crystal!)

A 43.86ct Natural Kunzite from the Oceanview Mine in California, faceted by our Award Winning Supreme Master Gemcutter (Stephen Kotlowski). The color can range from a lilac to pink depending on lights. The cutting style is a one of a kind creation in a kite shape. The optical effects draw the viewer in from the edges to the center in a step like fashion. 23.75x22.55x15.83mm (ovml-12-03c)

16.01ct Bluish Lavender California Kunzite, Oceanview Mine, Big Kahuna Zone approx late 2010 (2nd gemstone from an unique bi-color crystal!)
Photographed under 65K Natural Daylight/Full Spectrum Lumichrome light	Office fluorescent/incandescent - takes on a more pink color and one could call the color Pink Ice. It has incredible sparkle and brilliance!
A 16.01ct Natural Kunzite from the Oceanview Mine in California, faceted by our Award Winning Supreme Master Gemcutter (Stephen Kotlowski). The color is light bluish lavender to a pink ice color depending on what wavelengths are available. The cutting style is a one of a kind creation, with a portuguese bottom and modified double barion top, measuring approximately 13.78 x 12.49 x 11.65mm. (UK-Portuguese Barion rectangle) (ovml-12-03b) An INCREDIBLE SPARKLER. SOLD! (United Kingdom)

41.80ct Bluish Purple California Kunzite, Oceanview Mine, Big Kahuna Zone approx late 2010 (1st gemstone from an unique bi-color crystal!)
Our Award Winning Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, has completed an incredible Kunzite from a mine in the United States. This is indeed the color, a moderately deep bluish purple and was photographed under 65K Natural Daylight/Full Spectrum Lumichrome light. In diffused natural light inside as well as by a window, the wavelengths do allow this gem to show more purple, with hints of blue. The pinker image on the right is more typical of what one sees under office fluorescent and incandescent light. This 41.80ct Modified Trilliant measuring 20.00 x 20.00 x 20.00 x 17.80mm (ovml-12-03a) (This is at the wholesale price for a Kunzite that doesn't have this expert faceting, or the color and clarity. When all is said and done, this is below wholesale for such a fine example of Kunzite - and it is American Gemstone too, as well as Natural!)
View photos of this gemstone being faceted from the original crystal and observe some of the the issues and problems that arise when faceting.... Faceting Kunzite Demo
Those in the jewelry trade saw this gemstone for the first time in early December. Mr. Brown, owner of All That Glitters was traveling and took one gemstone to show two people he had met previously - a GIA Gemologist and a Custom Goldsmith. When asked what they thought this gemstone was, the first guess was Amethyst; that was followed by a second guess of Sapphire. These two similar guesses were made by two individuals that were about 100 miles apart and with different backgrounds. Perhaps the very high polish (200k diamond) made them think this was Sapphire, but the color certainly points to Amethyst initially.

California Kunzite from the Oceanview Mine, the Big Kahuna II Pocket!
Recent gemstone rough finds in San Diego Co. included the new Spodumenes from the Oceanview Mine. During the 2010 mining of the Oceanview Mine, the 'Big Kahuna' Zone was discovered. This was a large pocket with a series of smaller satellite pockets. The zone yield Spodumenes, Quartz, Tourmalines and Beryl. However, on 19 December, they encountered another rich zone: the Big Kahuna II. This zone, on the Baker Boulevard level, may be a down-dip continuation of the Big Kahuna zone that was dug on the next level above (Carter Court level) earlier in 2010. The above rough was faceted by our Master Cutter, so this means every facet meets perfectly and this piece could be entered into the AGTA Cutting Edge Competion. Due to the cutting, polish, color, sparkle and rarity of the material, and the fact that is an American Gemstone, it could possible win in one of the categories! 18.85cts - Shape is a custom design and is called - Uniquely K Ultima Oval 20.4 x 13.8 x 10.0mm ("very settable not deep at all and a fabulous deep color" - quote from our master cutter) SOLD!(PBB) The above price is the wholesale price seen in Tucson 2012 at the GJX Show, International Section, by Brasilians selling a fairly deep pink Kunzite faceted (as well as in the rough). Their material was irradiated - our California Kunzite is natural. Also, at just under 19cts, ours is much smaller than the 60ct to 100cts or so pieces of the irradiated material that is required to show a decent color. The All That Glitters Kunzite has: better color in this size is Natural - not irradiated will save the buyer $$$ based on a 60ct sized Brasilian gemstone required to give the same depth of color is from the United States having come from a famous California mine from a rich well know pocket within the above mine was faceted by our Award Winning Master Cutter (Stephen Kotlowski) where every facet junction meets perfectly

Stephen was invited to show his work with a guest display at the main retail Tucson Show 2015

For a larger image, click on the photo above.

Slightly different angle showing Stephen's display

For a larger image, click on the photo above. Note that there are two yellow Beryls in the front, and in the upper left hand corner is a trilliant Kunzite (Oceanview Mine, CA) that were loaned to Stephen from All That Glitters for this display. The cushion shaped yellow Beryl appears on both the front and back cover as well as within a book on gemstones - see below: Gemstones - New Edition Gemstones: New Edition (front cover) Gemstones: New Edition (back cover)

Neon Screaming Pinkish Red Ruby weighing 1.97ct . Recut by our Master Cutter (Stephen Kotlowski) from a 2.50ct original gemstone. This is a certed Ruby - see the link below. It is heated and some of the powder surrounding the gem during the heating process was originally to be found on the surface in an insignificant amount. With the recutting, this would have been removed. (egaj-11-63) View Original Cert

4.18ct Unsual Blue Sapphire - there is a slight green component to the color. This was recut by our Supreme Master Cutter (Stephen Kotlowski) from an original weight of 4.96cts. (egaj-11-17) Measures approximately 10.3x8.7x5.2mm GIA Certed - Unheated SOLD!(Australia)

2.35ct Dark Blue Australian Sapphire faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski. Fairly typical for Aussie Sapphire, but it is a well faceted, over 2 carat Blue Sapphire and priced to move. (ogm-07-01b3)

The Oregon Sunstone Rough shown above produced the faceted gemstones you see below. One can get a good idea of some of the waste of the original rough, as one can see the trim marks where a diamond saw blade will remove cracks, inclusions and areas that are not desired in the finished faceted gemstone. The typical yield that we use when estimating a finished gemstone is 20% - meaning that 80% of the rough that is paid for, is literally trimmed and ground away. Note that the rough piece on the left produced the gemstone in the photo you see below. You can see some of the glittering schiller in the piece of rough. The green outline (watermelon) was removed so as not to mix the green with the reddish orange, as there was a high likelihood that this would muddy the color and the final gemstone would not be the nice pure color you see below!

A Very Large Natural 9.93ct Oregon Sunstone, mined in 2009 and faceted in the U.S. by our Supreme Master Gem Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski. This is a dusty orange under office fluorescent lights, but a bright orange under lights such as incandesents. There is a decent amount of schiller without being overpowered by schiller. It causes a slight sleepiness which is very common in these gems with schiller. It is still bright, it certainly glitters internally and externally (our Master Cutter is responsible for the high polish!) and is a wonderful example of a large orangy Natural Oregon Sunstone! 12.45x11.35x10.60mm (dd-09b-02)

Note - Production this year, 2009, has been quite low due to mechanized mining failures. Problems continue to plague the complicated mechanisms which must all act as one unit. We were only one of two that were allowed to view this rough and make a selection. The owner of All That Glitters personally chose these two pieces of rough from this very limited selection.

Faceted Tanzanite	Rough Terminated Crystal that Produced Faceted Gem
Above is a 5.25ct Master Faceted Tanzanite faceted from the wonderfully naturally terminated crystal also shown above. Like all of our inventory, we hold nothing back - though many very fine gemstones are purchased or faceted, ALL are offered for sale. In this case, we offered a very special terminated Tanzanite crystal as a collector piece. We never displayed it in a show or offered it to dealers - we only displayed it on our website. There were no takers, so reluctantly, we had our Master Cutter (Stephen Kotlowski) facet this wonderful gemstone from the rare crystal shown above. 14.70x7.59x5.19mm (eagt-03-04)

4.60ct Green Tanzanite
	Side View of the Green Tanzanite showing the Natural Pleochroism
The Master Facetor's Photo	Original Bicolor Piece of Rough
Another Rarity in the Gem World - A Natural Green Tanzanite, faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski. This 4.60ct Scissors cut is a dark pastel green to a deeper green depending on the lighting available. The ends appear to pull in blue or purple from the other axes of the gem, and when tilted, the colors blend, going to teal... Note that if one turns the stone on the side, one of the other other pleochroic colors, in this case a purplish blue, is very evident. With the price of the standard colored Tanzanite increasing and being controlled by one company, similar to DeBeers and diamonds, all of this material is priced higher and the more unique colors are even harder to encounter than previously - and in the past, a unique color was far and few between. This gemstone measures approx 12.26x6.30x6.13mm (neg-07-01) Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition (Rough)
Here are the cutters comments regarding this gemstone after he faceted it! "...the color shift and the flash of the cutting is really fantastic...the photo's are good but can't show the scintillations that this chameleon of a stone possess..."
The piece of rough is shown above. It was originally a bi-color, being green AND blue, but 50% of the rough could not be used. The blue section was essentially thrown away and a waste. Here is another case of ones hopes being dashed, but the final result of a green or teal Tanzanite makes up for it!
Tanzanite - Before It Was Tanzanite: Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK article) Article discussss a previous Green Tanzanite in the All That Glitters Inventory...

3.40ct Cushion cut NEON Blue Tanzanite - Faceted by our Master U.S. Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski!
	Trimmed Original Piece of Tanzanite Rough The only other piece we know of is in Russia - Wish we had bought it!
What is the more costly - Purplish Tanzanite or Blue Tanzanite? The consensus over the years has been that the blue is less common, more desirable and more expensive. Many Tanzanites will color shift and a blue body color will become purple under incandescent lighting. So, what happens when a unique Neon Blue Tanzanite is found? RARE, RARE, RARE....! The trade doesn't see this material and it usually never finds its way to the public - generally purchased immediately when first seen by the trade and those in the business. When one hasn't seen anything like this in 26 years of dealing with gems, one's mouth drops. Even if not in the business, one would question what gemstone this is. It is a unique blue. This gem glows. There is no purple under any lighting conditions. The color can best be described as the Best Blue Zircon color. This was faceted by our Master U.S. Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, who has won cutting competitions for his work. This gemstone is no different - every facet meets perfectly. It is also clean! The piece of rough that faceted this gem is shown above. The price below reflects what one might expect to pay for a Tanzanite of normal color, of this size. This is from old inventory of many years ago; stashed away by a couple in the business who knew this was special. They sold the standard colored Tanzanite to the trade and public, keepingt this behind for their own personal collection!....Dimensions of the finished gemstone 9.15 X 7.90 X 5.85(d)mm (gf-07-01) (This is about what one would expect to pay in a store for a similar sized medium saturated Tanzanite of the standard expected color. As someone in the trade said of this color - try finding another one - regardless of what one has to spend!) Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying - New Edition (Title Page!)

Stephen just north of where he was living in AZ. A visit to the Grand Canyon.

A 6.35ct Nuristani Tourmaline of a Teal Color - our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, called it "Fine Teal Blue" and the design is what he calls "Switch Diamond Rectangle". A few inclusions as can be expected from this color and location. Color varies depending on the light available - halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, direct sunlight, indirect sunlight/shade, etc. Measures approximately 14.56x7.55x6.36mm (norgem-98b10c)

8.95ct Nuristan Green-Blue Tourmaline faceted by our Award Winning Master Facetor - Stephen Kotlowski! Other photos showed more brilliance, but we liked the play of light in this photo. Though all facets have flat sides, the optical effects show more of a wavy appearance in this photo! 20.00x7.57x6.92mm (nrstngm-96aj1) Gemstones - New Edition

Two Nuristani Tourmalines faceted by our Master Facetor (Stephen Kotlowski), total weight of 11.23cts. The larger of the two weighs 6.57cts and is more of a beautiful pure green, whereas the smaller one, weighing 4.66cts has hints of blue. 4.66cts 12.68x7.32x5.55mm (nrstngm-97b1b) 6.57cts 12.74x8.66x6.48mm (nrstngm-97b1a)

6.80ct Bicolor Tourmaline from Nuristan faceted by our U.S. Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski. When one looks straight above onto the gem, one sees blue on one side and green on the other. Tipping it slightly turns his gem either all blue or all green! Both blue and green are very fine colors with no detracting modifiers. Some fine inclusions as is to be expected with this fine color, but nothing that is very noticeable or detrimental. 17.27x7.50x5.26mm (nrstngm-96b1a)

Tourmaline from the Congo - Africa!

9.31ct Tourmaline - Faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner - Stephen Kotlowski!

This tourmaline is from the new find of tourmaline making its way into the wholesale market currently. After faceting, it will eventually trickle down to the retail stores and then the public. Like all other gems, this material has it's fine quality as well as lower quality. This is a wonderful example of the color, which can be a very pleasing green with blue. Like many of these fancies colors, there can be some inclusions. This has a few but the cutting hides them under most conditions. The cut is a newly designed called a Switch Back Emerald Cut. It will twinkle and the flashes of light will bounce rapidly from the top of the stone to the bottom of the stone as it is tilted. A very unique cut! This is a large, well cut, teal to green Congo Tourmaline measuring 14.55x9.50x7.22mm. (hilbos-04a-01) Note - this is the nicest piece of Congo Tourmaline we have seen and a very fine color for Tourmaline. As seen in Cedar WIngs Magazine Cedar Wings Article

A	B
A - 13.00ct Fine Blue with a hint of Green. From the famous Golconda Mine in Brasil. The mine has been closed for many decades and the rough was purchased by All That Glitters over a decade ago and finally faceted by a Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner, Stephen Kotlowski. 12.10x12.10x9.98mm (atoz-97b-01a) SOLD! (United Kingdom)
B - 17.30cts Very Fine Mint Bluish Green Tourmaline Faceted by the Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Award Winner (Stephen Kotlowski), cut into a "Double" Switchback Emerald Rectangle measuring: 16.44 x 11.41 x 10.06m The rough was a doubly terminated tourmaline crystal and was purchased a decade ago. It originated in the high mountains in the Nuristan area on the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is an inhospitable place for both humans and the pack animals that are required to bring the necessary tools and supplies to this rugged area. (nrstngm-96a1h)

A	B
A - 5.80ct Pear Shaped Purple Tourmaline, inclusions as one can see in the photo. Partial recut by our Master Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski. (kaek-06-03) Preliminary spectrometric analysis indicates Copper (Cuprian Tourmaline)
B - 5.90ct Oval Purple Tourmaline. Partial recut by our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski. (kaek-07-22)

10.28ct Oval Amethyst Purple Tourmaline recut by our Award Winning Master Cutter who is known for his meticulous cutting - Stephen Kotlowski. (pntrd-08a-01a) Though now a well known gemstone due to it's publication, we still currently have it at the wholesale cost of a well known West Coast business. Priced back in 2007. Call or email if you have an interest. Only one like this! Gemstones - New Edition

Stephen sold and was a representative for Ultra Tec, a faceting company/machine that he had decades of experience with. If you knew Stephen, he frequently faceted MANY hours a day and into the early morning hours. My last conversation with him on October 9, 2015 (Friday), he indicated that he had just finished recutting a very costly large Diaspore (with VERY little loss!) - that was at 6AM and it was early afternoon. He had yet to get any sleep. The phrase "Why Not Cut a Gem Today, seems very appropriate when considering Stephen's devotion to cutting. He was very enthusiatic about gemstones, minerals and cutting, and it would please him tremendously to be responsible for someone becoming interested in cutting. He was responsible for my obtaining an Ultra Tec, teaching me the basics, modifying my machine to work at it's optimum as well as making small additions and tweaking that he had learned (the hard way) during his decades of working with this brand of machine.

11.58ct Cushion Purple Tourmaline recut by our Master Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski. (pntrd-08a-01c)

4.00ct Round Mozambique Tourmaline, Royal Purple. This color is rare as well as the shape. Have not seen ANY rounds of size in this gemstone. Also, this was re-faceted by our Master Facetor, Stephen Kotlowski, who recently won an award in the ATGA Cutting Competition. (kaek-06-02) Preliminary tests using a spectrometer do indeed show this to be Cuprian Tourmaline. Measures approximately 10.4x6.6mm Photos do not do this gemstone justice - color is richer in person!

3.75ct Pinkish Purple Pear, Mozambique Tourmaline refaceted by our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, to bring out the hidden beauty in a gemstone that had previously been faceted! (gat-08-04)

17.25ct Purplish Pink Mozambique Tourmaline refaceted by our Master Cutter (Stephen Kotlowski)! (kaek-07-10)

9.60ct Green Mozambique Tourmaline. This was recut by our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, to create a better looking gemstone. Some inclusions but again, it looks good to the ey and this is typical of the Mozambique material. (kaek-06-23)

Don't mind my Dust!.... Hard to get photos that don't show the dust - that is how magnified these photos are...
4.46ct Mozambique Tourmaline, Oval, bright neon green depending on the lights (yahya-06a-02) This is similar in color to the trilliant you see below. Three similar gemstones were purchased at the same time. The color was very bright and said "Buy Me" , so we had to purchase all three. They consisted of a trilliant and two ovals. The other oval is also pictured below and was recut by our Award Winning Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski. It too is certed, but the cert no longer shows the current carat weight after recutting. (The cert will accompany the recut gemstone and is similar to the certs you see for the oval above and the trilliant below - Natural Tourmaline)

5.09ct Neon Green Mozambique Tourmaline. This was recut by our Master Cutter, Stephen Kotlowski, to create a better looking gemstone. There is a certificate with this gemstone that indicates it is a natural Tourmaline. The cert is now outdated because the dimensions and the weight has changed. Some inclusions as can be expected in this color as well as the origin of this gemstone. Eye visible, but really doesn't affect the sparkle of the gemstone. This photo doesn't do this gem justice. (yahya-06a-01) SOLD!

8.62ct French Baquette Orange Tanzanian Zircon, U.S. Faceted by our Supreme Master Gem Cutter - Stephen Kotlowski! (hilbos-05-02b)

14.38ct Red Zircon

"Mixed" Brilliant Diamond Cut 14.94 x 11.47 x 10.14(d)mm faceted by Master Cutter and AGTA Cutting Competition Winner, Stephen Kotlowski. (hv-05-02) This is a very unique piece as it has a color shift. It is very dark under fluorescent lights and looks like a smoky orange. However, under incandescent light, it is a bright red, very similar to ruby or chrome pyrope garnet. This could contain chromium, which explains the color, but the fact that there is a color change along with the intense red, make this a very unique and unusual piece. We haven't seen or heard of anything like this previously, nor has our cutter. We could not obtain a decent photograph of this gem and had to rely on the photograph that the cutter had taken. Oh, and another plus for this gem, it is very large for a nice zircon! This photo shows the gemstone fully illuminated with lights.

In closing, we will end with the photo that we began with. It is now time for your friends, colleagues and admirers to give you a much deserved Thumbs Up... Thumbs Up to Stephen Kotlowski (BS, GG(GIA), CSM), Supreme Master Gem Cutter!... You made many friends both in this country and internationally. Your incredible talent, friendship and experience/knowledge that you freely shared will be greatly missed by many.