Discourse with Steve Moriarty, proprietor of Moriarty's Gem Arts, about a Lifetime in the Gemstone Trade
In the world of gemstone carving, Steve Moriarty stands out as a master artisan. Co-owner of Moriarty's Gem Arts, a business known for its custom jewelry, jewelry repair, and artistic creations, Moriarty has spent the past 25 years honing his craft.
Moriarty's latest obsession is Ethiopian opal, a unique find that has captured his imagination. The hyalite opal, discovered in 2013 and mined out by 2016, is particularly rare and sought after. Moriarty purchased any remaining quality hyalite opal from the dealer who sold him the rough, and the polishing process can take up to two full days.
One of Moriarty's most notable creations from the hyalite opal was a piece that garnered significant attention online. A video of the finished gemstone was viewed over three million times on YouTube, showcasing the beauty and allure of this unique stone.
Moriarty's fascination with Ethiopian opal doesn't mark a departure from his usual travels. He has ventured to Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar, among other locations, in search of the perfect gemstone. His love for tanzanite was sparked during a trip to Kenya in the early 1980s.
One gemstone that holds a special place in Moriarty's heart is the garnet. Despite their increased prices, Moriarty finds a fondness for cutting them. His dedication to his craft is evident in his work, as he meticulously carves each gemstone to bring out its unique beauty.
Moriarty's Gem Arts, a family-run business established as a retail store in Crown Point, Indiana in 1994, also manages several websites, including moregems.com, tanzanitejewelrydesigns.com, opallust.com, and mothersfamilyrings.com.
Moriarty's career in gem-cutting began in 1975 when he started selling coloured gems to jewellers in the Midwest United States. His talent and dedication have since earned him the title of Associate Member of Gem-A, a prestigious organisation in the gemstone industry.
One of Moriarty's most notable achievements was the Rwandan amethyst carving that graced the cover of Gem-A's The Journal of Gemmology (Vol.36 No.1). The intensity of the secondary red and blues in the Rwandan amethyst particularly impressed Moriarty, and the resulting carving was a testament to his skill and artistry.
For those interested in learning more about Steve Moriarty and his career, the official Moriarty's Gem Arts website or social media pages are excellent resources. Local business directories or art community interviews might also provide further insights into Moriarty's journey as a gemstone artisan. Additionally, professional networking sites could offer a glimpse into his career history.
- Steve Moriarty, a renowned gemstone carver, is a member of Gem-A, a prestigious organization in the gemstone industry.
- Moriarty's Gem Arts, his family-run business, manages several websites that offer diverse topics, including gemstone-related publications, tanzanite jewelry designs, precious opal, and family ring designs.
- Apart from Ethiopian opal, Moriarty has a special affection for garnets and finds joy in meticulously cutting them, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
- Moriarty's fascination with exotic gemstones has led him to travel extensively, exploring locations such as Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar, adding a touch of travel and lifestyle to his5 career.
- For food and drink enthusiasts, Moriarty's Gem Arts website might include culinary experiences related to gem-related events or his travels, merging fashion-and-beauty with food-and-drink.
- A successful educational journey for Moriarty included learning about various gemstones, relationships with fellow artisans, engaging in sports, and self-development, demonstrating the importance of education-and-self-development in his journey.
