Frequently Asked Questions

It means every faceting design is derived, not borrowed. Rather than pulling a stock diagram off a shelf and reusing it, I start from the stone's optical properties (its refractive index and the critical angle that governs total internal reflection) and calculate the pavilion and crown angles, facet depths, and meetpoints as one internally consistent design. The way a Maikurumoto stone returns light isn't copied from a catalog; it's derived from the physics of that specific gem.

Every stone is hand faceted in my Massachusetts studio, with accuracy down to hundredths of a millimeter. Commercial cutting optimizes for speed and yield; I design each faceting pattern to maximize symmetry, brilliance, and light performance for that individual piece of rough, balancing size against optical quality rather than defaulting to whichever preserves the most weight.

Yes. I design and cut every stone, using CAD software built specifically for modeling faceting patterns and simulating light performance. Each design is modeled digitally before a single facet is cut, so angles, symmetry, and proportions are analyzed in advance rather than worked out by trial and error on the rough itself.

In some cases, yes. When a design is strong enough to justify cutting it again, it becomes a repeatable signature cut rather than a one-off. Tell me which piece caught your eye and I'll confirm whether that design is available to commission again, and in what material.

Jewelers seeking a unique centerpiece, collectors pursuing rare or exceptionally cut stones, individuals wanting something personal and uncommon, other gem cutters who need a tailored faceting plan, and philanthropic projects where custom-cut gems help raise funds for a cause.

Both. I cut natural and lab-created material across a wide range of species. Where a stone is lab-created, lab-grown, or synthetic, that is always stated clearly in the listing. Lab-created stones share the same chemical and physical properties as their natural counterparts; they're produced in a controlled environment rather than formed in the earth.

I describe every stone's weight (carats), dimensions (mm), color, clarity, and shape as precisely as my instruments allow. A few things to keep in mind:

• Color can appear slightly different on screen depending on your monitor's calibration and brightness. The written description is my best representation of the stone's true color.
• Natural gemstones may contain inclusions or color zoning that are inherent to the material, not defects.
• Listed carat weight and millimeter dimensions are accurate to the degree achievable with precision instruments; minor measurement variance is normal.

Where I state a stone's origin (a specific country or mining region), that's provided in good faith based on sourcing documentation or supplier representation. Natural gemstone origin is genuinely difficult to determine with certainty, so origin claims aren't independently lab-verified unless an accompanying third-party certification says otherwise.

Not by default. Nothing in my listings is a gemological certification or appraisal unless a third-party certification is explicitly included, in which case that certification governs. If you need a formal gemological report, I recommend engaging a certified gemologist independently or contacting the GIA.

There are two ways to commission a stone, and they work differently.

Standard cuts are the five shapes on the commission page. You order them like any other product: choose the design, material and size, and pay in full at checkout. There's no design phase, because the design already exists and the finished dimensions are published on each product page before you buy.

Bespoke is for a design that doesn't exist yet, rough you'd like cut a particular way, or anything outside the standard sizes. It starts with a conversation and is quoted individually.

Order it online and I cut it for you. Work goes in the order it's booked, so the wait depends on what's ahead of you; the current queue is published on the commission page and I keep it current. Once your stone is on the machine it's 5 to 11 business days to shipped.

Because the stone is cut specifically for your order, a standard cut can't be returned for a change of mind. If it doesn't match what the product page describes, or it arrives damaged, I'll make it right.

We work through the full design phase before anything irreversible happens: CAD previews, material selection, and your written sign-off on the final faceting plan. That way there are no surprises once cutting starts.

A 50% deposit is required before any design or cutting work begins. It secures your place in the queue and funds the planning, materials, and time commitment that starts on my end immediately. The remaining balance is due upon completion, before the finished piece ships. I'll send photos for your review first.

Timelines are estimated in good faith but not guaranteed. High-precision hand cutting depends on the complexity of the design, the character of the material, and current workload. I'll keep you updated on progress and flag it promptly if a significant delay comes up.

No. Once you approve a bespoke design in writing and cutting begins, the commission is final sale: it can't be changed, returned, or refunded for a change of mind. That's the tradeoff for the collaborative design phase beforehand: you know exactly what you're getting before the irreversible work starts. The only exceptions are if the finished piece doesn't match the specifications agreed to in writing, or it arrives damaged in shipping.

Within the United States. International shipping is available case by case. Email michael@maikurumotogems.com before ordering and I'll confirm whether I can ship to your location, quote shipping, and go over any customs duties or import taxes (which are the buyer's responsibility and aren't included in my shipping charge).

Nothing. Every order ships free within the United States, insured and tracked, whatever it costs me. I'd rather build that into the price than add it at the end.

It depends which you ordered.

Stones already in inventory ship within 3 to 5 business days of purchase. Commissions are cut after you order, so add the current queue plus 5 to 11 business days at the machine. The queue is shown on the commission page.

You'll get a confirmation email with tracking as soon as anything ships.

Yes, every order, regardless of value. Orders of $1,000 or more also require a signature on delivery, and I may require one below that.

Contact michael@maikurumotogems.com within 48 hours of the delivery date (or expected delivery date) so I can file a carrier claim and make it right. This is separate from the standard return process and doesn't cost you return shipping.

Yes, within 7 calendar days of delivery, for any reason, as long as it's returned unworn, unaltered, in its original packaging with all documentation intact. Email me within that 7-day window to start a return. Return shipping is paid by the customer, and the return shipment must be insured for the full purchase price with tracking and signature confirmation; I can't refund a return that's lost or damaged in transit without that coverage. Approved refunds are issued to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.

No. A standard cut doesn't exist until you order it; it's cut specifically for you. That makes it final sale, not eligible for return, refund or exchange on the basis of a change of mind.

There are two exceptions. One is a finished stone that doesn't match the specification published on its product page: the design, the material, and the stated cut dimensions for the size you ordered. The other is a stone that arrives damaged. Email me within 48 hours of delivery with photos and I'll correct, replace or refund as appropriate.

Once a design is approved and cutting has begun, bespoke work is final sale: not eligible for return, refund, or exchange on the basis of a change of mind. The only exceptions are a finished piece that doesn't match the written specifications agreed to before cutting began, or shipping damage. In either case, email me with details (and photos, where relevant) and I'll make it right through correction, replacement, or refund.

Not direct exchanges. If you'd like a different stone, return the original under the standard return policy and place a new order.

No, not without prior written permission. Gemstone photography, faceting designs and diagrams, and all site content are the intellectual property of Maikurumoto Gems LLC and Michael Phillips, protected under U.S. and international copyright law. To request permission, email michael@maikurumotogems.com.

Email michael@maikurumotogems.com directly and I'll get back to you.