a quaint town, nestled in the heart of gemstone country, the story of John Dyer unfurls. A master gemstone cutter, John's journey into the world of gems is as colorful and multifaceted as the stones he crafts.<br><br> His parents, missionaries, took young John on their travels. It was in the vibrant markets of Brazil that his destiny took shape. An elderly local, seeing John's fascination, handed him two stones - a deep purple amethyst and a clear blue aquamarine. Those gems weren't just stones; they were the keys to John's future.<br><br> At the tender age of 16, John, with the support of his father David, ventured into the gemstone business. Their initial foray took them to Zambia, where they sought to purchase emeralds and aquamarine rough. However, their journey was not without challenges. After purchasing the rough gemstones, they were disappointed by the poor quality of the cuts and the exorbitant prices charged by the faceters. This setback, however, became a turning point for John. Determined to bring out the true beauty of the gemstones, he decided to take on the cutting himself. With an Ultra Tec faceting machine in hand and a thirst for knowledge, John embarked on a self-taught journey into the world of gem cutting.<br><br> Over the years, John's expertise grew, and he became renowned for his precision and artistic flair. His accolades are a testament to his mastery. Since 2002, he has won (at the time of this writing) 58 cutting awards, including 48 AGTA Cutting Edge Awards. His prowess is so profound that he's the only gem cutter to have swept all the awards in one category of the AGTA competition, achieving this feat in 2005, 2007, and 2015. Moreover, he's one of the few American cutters to have clinched first prize in the esteemed German gem cutting competition.<br><br> John's approach to gem cutting is both an art and a science. He believes that natural gemstones exhibit their maximum beauty when combined with a fine cut. Whether it's classic shapes with exceptional brilliance, avant-garde fantasy cuts, or the intricate concave faceting, John's creations are a testament to his dedication to excellence. His gems range from amethyst, ametrine, aquamarine, citrine, to garnet, golden beryl, morganite, and many more.<br><br> But what truly sets John apart is his relentless pursuit of innovation. With the support of his father, an inventor with adept machinist skills, John has continuously experimented with new faceting techniques. David Dyer, the "big idea guy," played a pivotal role in the company's growth. In 1999, he created their first concave-faceting machine, allowing John to explore the realms of concave cutting and later, a blend of carving and faceting.<br><br> John's journey is not just about cutting gemstones; it's about bringing out their soul. Each gemstone, with its unique color, clarity, and shape, tells him a story, guiding his hands to reveal its maximum potential. This dedication to his craft ensures that every gemstone that bears the John Dyer signature is a masterpiece, a piece of art that stands the test of time.<br><br> Today, John Dyer & Co. stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of gemstones. From procuring the finest gem rough to crafting unique gem creations, John's legacy is etched in every shimmering facet of the gems he creates. His gems grace the collections of discerning jewelry buyers and rare gemstone aficionados worldwide. And as the story of John Dyer continues to unfold, one thing remains certain: quality, passion, and innovation will always be at its heart.