Precision, passion, and the art of gem cutting
I'm Michael Phillips, the founder and principal gem cutter behind Maikurumoto Gems. For me, every gemstone begins with a vision. My work is taking rough material and transforming it into a stone that maximizes brilliance, symmetry, and light performance, while weaving in meaningful design along the way. Unlike mass produced gems, each stone I cut is made with intention, from the angle of every facet to the final polish, so the finished gem is as unique as the person who ends up owning it.
How I got here
What first pulled me toward gemstones was my work as an artist. I started out sculpting and working with resin, and over time I began faceting that resin, and then acrylic, entirely by hand with sandpaper. I would research the optical properties of each material so I could approximate the exact angles needed to achieve a specific look. But after spending upwards of forty hours on a single piece of plastic, I realized two things at once: this was not sustainable, and if I could learn to facet real gemstones, I could create something truly incredible.
Committed to learning, I spent the next year and a half researching gemstones, faceting machines, and weighing my options against what I knew would be significant startup costs. Eventually, with the support of my incredible wife, we decided to move forward. In June of 2023 I purchased an Ultratec V5 faceting machine and traveled to Ithaca, New York, where I spent four days learning the craft from Mark Oros of HASHNU Stones, one of the most prolific and knowledgeable faceters working today.
We knew from the start that this would be a full-time venture, because it hit every note that matters to me: artistic expression, the creation of beautiful work, a craft rooted in nature, room for scientific innovation, and the chance to have a real, positive impact on people's lives. A lot of the discipline this work demands comes from my background in martial arts, where precision, patience, and technique are everything.
The difference between a flat, lifeless gem and one full of fire comes down to the hands and the patience behind it.
What I do
My work centers on a few things I love most. I cut custom gemstones tailored to highlight each stone's natural beauty and unlock its full optical potential. I design faceting patterns by combining gemological knowledge, mathematics, and artistry to bring out fire, brilliance, and value. And I create one-of-a-kind stones for jewelers, collectors, and gem lovers who want something that stands apart.
I also source rough material, not just finished stones. If you have a particular gem in mind that you do not see in my shop, you can reach out and ask. There's a good chance I can track down the right rough and cut it to order, exactly to the color, shape, and size you're picturing. A lot of my best work begins as a conversation like that.
Why a precision cut gemstone
A precision cut gem is more than polished material. It's a piece designed for both light and feeling. With accuracy down to hundredths of a millimeter, my faceting delivers the symmetry, sparkle, and performance that commercial cutting simply cannot match. When you hold one up to the light, the difference is immediate.
Who I work with
Over the years I've cut stones for individuals looking to set their jewelry apart from the rest, jewelers looking for unique centerpieces to elevate their designs, collectors pursuing rare or exceptionally cut gems, and gem lovers who want something personal, timeless, and uncommon. I also take on philanthropic projects, where custom cut gems and jewelry help raise funds for causes that matter.
Wherever the stone is headed, my goal is the same: to deliver a gem that inspires wonder, tells a story, and endures for generations.
Tell me what you're picturing.
If you're imagining something for yourself or someone you love, I'd be glad to help you plan it. Start with one of the standard designs, or tell me what you have in mind and I'll give you an honest answer about what's possible.