Doug Menadue :: Bespoke Gems - Precision Hand Faceted Gemstones Of The Highest Quality
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Masterpieces

The gems that I have chosen to show here represent exceptional examples of the gemcutter's art. These gems exhibit characteristics that set them apart - the technical difficulty and beauty of the design, the quality of the stone itself, its uniqueness and so on. Some of the designs were extremely challenging to accomplish, containing hundreds of facets and taking many, many hours of patience and attention to detail. Art does not have to be something that must fill a wall or a room before it can be considered 'art'. Here, art is condensed to a scale where it can be easily held in the palm of your hand or wrapped in gold and worn on a finger. These beautiful gems can admired and appreciated in quiet and up close for they are pure colour and light made manifest.

Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
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Stone : Butterscotch Zircon
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #735
Design : Majestic Kalli
Origin : Africa
Treatments : None
Weight : 11.4 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 10.5x10.5x11.4mm
Price : SOLD
Comments : Here is a rare and beautiful butterscotch zircon from Africa. These natural zircons are becoming very scarce and hard to find in this colour... it is a rich caramel butterscotch, very appealing and quite unique, and much better in person then the pics suggest. I have cut this zircon in a combination of the Kalli and Majestic designs to create a gem that is truly one-of-a-kind. This beauty has over 200 facets and displays a full rainbow of fireworks and dispersion.

At night... WOW! Under lights this gem is just on fire! The first time I looked at it at night was in a darkened room with just a single incandescent bulb shining over my shoulder and illuminating the gem... and it took my breath away. The colour and dazzling display of fireworks was totally mesmerizing, it really was, and is, a thing of beauty. This gem would suit a collector of rare and fine gemstones or an imaginative jewellery designer. There is just a very small veil in the crown but otherwise eye clean.

Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735
Butterscotch Zircon, Majestic Kalli, Africa, #735

 
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
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Stone : Rubellite Tourmaline
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #661
Design : Kalli Oval (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Nigeria
Treatments : None
Weight : 9.1 Carat
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 10.6x12.5x11.4 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : This is truly a one-of-a-kind gemstone. This is a beautiful piece of rubellite tourmaline, eye clean with deep rich colours. The design was inspired by the round design called 'Kalli' by Jeff Graham. I created it specifically for this tourmaline. It is a very challenging design to facet but the results are worth it. In the sunlight the colour shows a very bright hot pink with lots of fire and action and there are many hues in this stone right through to rubellite. There are purples, violets, pinks and reds. It is truly unique and a connoisseur's stone.

When I first took it off the dopstick and out into the sun it took my breath away. The pics just can't capture how stunning this gem is. It just lit up like a pink ball of fire... as if the sun came down and decided to throw a party inside. The colour is like a hot deep candy pink when the sun lit it up.

If you did want to set it in a piece of jewellery then it would suit a bezel setting of some kind. It has a high dome, much like a high domed cabochon except with lots and lots of facets... 201 facets to be precise. A true masterpiece and a fine example of the gemcutter's art.

See the original piece of rough here.

Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661
Rubellite Tourmaline, Kalli Oval, Nigeria, #661

 
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
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Stone : Natural Blue Topaz
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #482
Design : SG1
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 35.8 carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included / Eye Clean
Size : 20 x 20 x 14 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : What a whopper! This is an incredible natural blue topaz of top colour. It has been superbly cut and polished in the SG1 design which is a Round Brilliant variation that has been optimised especially for topaz and stones with a similar refractive index. This beauty is stunning and in the sunlight it is a big ball of fireworks, dazzling the eyes with its light. This gem would be ideal for the collector or anyone who likes their gems BIG! There are several very fine silver needles but other then that its eye clean. A first class, magnificient gemstone.

Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482
Natural Blue Topaz, SG1, Brazil, #482

 
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
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Stone : Natural Blue Topaz
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #469
Design : Pharoah
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 18.7 carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 14.8 x 14.8 x 11.5 mm
Price : SOLD
Comments : A magnificent natural blue topaz gemstone! This is a very fine gemstone that is cut in a design which is an exceptionally challenging one to cut. I very much like this design and when I look at it I keep thinking "Art Deco" for some reason. The gem is a good solid stone with a good feel to it. There are a number of very fine silver needle inclusions that are common to topaz but the are very fine and minor and do not detract from the overall appearance of the gem at all - you really need a loupe to see them. Other then that the gem is eye clean. The internal facet patterns and reflections are fascinating and in all lighting situations, this gem is a stunner!

Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469
Natural Blue Topaz, Pharoah, Brazil, #469

 
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
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Stone : Natural Blue Topaz
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #463
Design : Ten Main Oval
Origin : O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 20 carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 14.8 x 19.8 x 10.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Exquisite! Truly exquisite! This is a gorgeous natural blue topaz from O'Briens Creek in North Queensland. This beauty is stunning and I have cut it in one of my favorite oval designs for large topaz. This design really looks great in topaz and out in the sunlight the fireworks in this gem is dazzling with big strong flashes of colour. There are several very fine silver needle inclusions which are very hard to see and do not detract from the appearance of the gem at all, you really need a loupe to see them. The gem is bright and clean with the classic light blue colour that this material is known for. This gem looks great in all lighting situations and at nighttime it really stands out. An exceptional gemstone and one that would suit the collector or any fine jewelry setting.

Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463
Natural Blue Topaz, Ten Main Oval, O'Briens Creek, North Queensland, Australia, #463

 
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
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Stone : Green Tourmaline
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #685
Design : Smith Bar
Origin : Afghanistan
Treatments : None
Weight : 13.9 & 15.3 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 10x18.8x8.3mm & 10x18.8x9mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Here are two of the finest Afghan tourmalines of this type that you could hope to find. They are exceptional gems in every regard and they are very well matched which makes them even rarer. I have cut them in the modern classic Smith Bar design. This design is one of my favorites and works so well in tourmaline. One of them has a noticeable blue zone near one end and the other has a touch of blue but its not as noticeable. They are very close to eye clean with just a few small minor inclusions near the ends. They would make a very special pair of earrings or perhaps a pair of cufflinks. Alternatively they would make very good investment or collector gems. This pair of gems is a very special and rare offering, truly unique. These gems will be sold as a pair. This is a unique opportunity to own a very fine pair of Afghan tourmalines.

Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685
Green Tourmaline, Smith Bar, Afghanistan, #685

 
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
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Stone : Flame Orange Citrine
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #521
Design : Kalli (Jeff Graham)
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : Heated
Weight : 11.4 carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 13 x 13 x 12.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Presenting a stunning 185 facet flame orange ctrine masterpiece. This beauty is cut in one of Jeff Graham's 'dome' designs called "Kalli". This incredible design has 185 facets which makes for a stone that is time consuming to cut but so well worth it when done. The crown dome really enhances the colours of the gem, intensifies them, and creates a sense of depth inside the gemstone, a real 3D space. The reflections, patterns and sparkles are truly wonderful and they fill the gem with so much life. This design was made to be bezel set.

The colours are rich and intense, a real flame orange gold. In all lighting conditions the gem is just one big beautiful ball of golden light, even with the arm outstretched there is no missing this baby. The crown dome catches all the surrounding light which makes this one a great evening stone... it really does glow. Its one of those rare gems that will totally captivate and mesmerize you when you see it.

A connoisseur's gemstone.

Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Kalli, Brazil, #521
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I have also shown some 'action' shots that I took as I was cutting this gem. These might give you an insight into how such a gemstone is cut. The first stage is the pavilion. This is cut and polished and then placed in a 'transfer' block. The first part is held with a type of wax, the second half is held with a two part epoxy.

Next we cut and polish the crown. With this design, this is the time consuming part. There are alot of facets there to cut and polish and each facet is touched 5 times... 280 grit, 600, 1200, 3000 and then finally the polish. So with 185 facets, I'm really cutting 925 facets by the time I work through from the course grits to the polish!

Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521
Flame Orange Citrine, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #521

 
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
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Stone : Golden Beryl
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #635
Design : Asscher Cut
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 10.3 carats
Clarity : Very Slightly Included
Size : 12.8x12.8x10.8 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : This is a beautiful and very sunny golden beryl. It is cut in the classic Asscher Cut design and is an exceptional gemstone in all respects. It has a very bright and happy aspect, a really nice gem that has great action and performance, the internal facet patterns making a very lively gem that is full of life.

It is a big stone and would make the ulimate cocktail ring, so if you like your gemstones big this is the one for you. There is a small feather veil inclusion in one corner of the pavilion about half way down but it does not detract from the overall appearance of the stone at all, it is very hard to spot. The colour is far better in person then the pics suggest, the camera can only do so much when it comes to capturing the myriad colours in a stunning gem. It is a gem that I am very happy with and one that I know you will be too. A truly wonderful golden beryl gemstone.

Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635
Golden Beryl, Asscher Cut, Brazil, #635

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bespoke Gems is home to the most beautifully cut and polished gems in the world. Here you can discover the true art of the gemcutter and see just how incredible coloured gemstones can really be. An extensive library of classic, contemporary and unique one-of-a-kind designs, all carefully optimised to bring out the best in each and every gem, are available for you to choose from. Doug Menadue, master gemcutter, can personally craft for you a gem, tailored to your individual requirements, that you will be proud to own. In a time of so much mass produced clutter and rubbish, to discover something small and precious that demands such a sacrifice of time and attention to detail, is to give hope to the fact that the art of handcrafting beautiful things is not lost to us. It is good to know that there are those who continue on the traditions.
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