Helene: Faceting Expert from Waverly Club

Helene's last name not shown for security reasons.

My wife and I met Helene when I wanted some one to help me with an emerald, which I was having trouble polishing. People at Waverley club told me to see Helene, who is their faceting expert. We found her to be very kind and helpful lady.

Couple of months ago she gave me and my wife some faceting tips using her personal faceting machine. She showed us a of variety of different faceted stones, mineral specimens and many superb decoration pieces. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the extraordinary and beautiful gem work that she had created. Actually, I had not seen many women faceters before! Probably because I have been with Nunawading Club, where most of the faceters are men.

She told us that at several occasions she has been asked to facet stones by traders but she has declined. However, out of her passion for gemstones, she facets one stone per day when she is free.

Today (19 September 2004), when I met Helene at the Waverley Gem Club annual exhibition, I didn't miss the opportunity to photograph her. She had a display at the gem show in which she had put some of her lapidary works of art, which I have photographed for my friends (see below). In the pictures you will see her huge pieces of faceted Citrine, Tourmalined Quratz and an Owl make with tumbled stones.

You won't find many women like Helene who have excelled in art of faceting the likes of her. Great Work Helene, Keep IT Up.