Award-Winning Lapidary Artist & Gemstone Carver

Nick Alexander is an award-winning American lapidary artist, gemstone carver, and jewelry designer celebrated for his fantasy cut gemstones, sculptural gemstone carvings, and contemporary jewelry creations. His work blends precision faceting with imaginative artistry, revealing the inner architecture of each stone and transforming rare materials into modern wearable art.

Every gemstone Nick cuts reflects his belief that fine lapidary art is both a craft and a conversation with nature — one that honors the beauty, geometry, and spirit within every piece of rough.

Discover one-of-a-kind gemstones created by Nick Alexander.

Early Beginnings in the Lapidary Arts

Growing up in a family of seven, Nick became the first to follow in his father’s footsteps. As a young child, he spent endless hours in the workshop learning to shape small cabochons, discovering how light, angles, and texture could bring a stone to life. What began as simple curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong artistic calling.

At just fourteen, supported by his parents, Nick opened his first booth at the Tucson Gem Show — a rare opportunity for a young cutter in such a prestigious marketplace. His unique hand-cut gemstones caught the attention of collectors, jewelers, and lapidary professionals across the industry, marking the true beginning of his career.

Award-Winning Lapidary Artistry

Guided by master cutters, years of disciplined practice, and a desire to redefine the boundaries of gemstone art, Nick set an ambitious goal early on:
to win the AGTA Spectrum Awards before turning eighteen.

At seventeen, his 42.05 ct Oregon Sunstone placed at the competition, earning him recognition as one of the youngest artists in Spectrum history. Three years later, he won again with a 123.96 ct Oregon Sunstone — a testament to his continued innovation in fantasy cut gemstones, sculptural lapidary design, and precision craftsmanship.

Today, Nick’s gemstones appear in museums, private collections, and jewelry houses around the world. His work is recognized for its architectural lines, fantasy-inspired forms, and deep respect for the natural character of each material.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Nick’s father, Darryl Alexander, is an internationally awarded lapidary artist and jeweler with over fifty professional accolades. The two have spent countless nights in the workshop together, refining techniques, developing new carving styles, and exploring the artistic possibilities of exotic gemstone materials.

Their shared legacy of craftsmanship continues to inspire new generations of lapidary artists and supports the growth of the American lapidary community.

Expanding into Fine Jewelry

While gemstone cutting remains Nick’s core discipline, he has also become a respected jewelry designer. Working closely with skilled goldsmiths and metalsmiths, he transforms his fantasy cuts and carvings into sculptural fine jewelry meant to be worn, collected, and cherished.

Each piece is thoughtfully designed to honor the gemstone’s natural form, color, and brilliance — resulting in one-of-a-kind creations that unite lapidary art, modern design, and luxury craftsmanship.

Nick also operates a growing lapidary equipment company, offering tools and machinery that reflect the same standard of precision and quality he brings to his own studio.

Artistic Philosophy

Nick follows a principle taught by his father:

“What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

This philosophy continues to guide his creative process — from selecting rough material to carving complex forms to designing contemporary jewelry. His mission is to elevate gemstone cutting as a modern art form and to share the beauty of hand-cut gemstones, gemstone carvings, and fantasy cut jewelry with the world.