When mines exhaust their gem-quality riches, hope still exists for less-desirable stones—a.k.a. the stepchildren of our industry. Skilled gem carvers can give low-quality stones with good color—think aquamarine, amethyst, jade—the beautiful finish that Mother Nature didn’t, or they can transform an unremarkable agate into a work of art. From simple quartz leaves to whimsical tourmaline animals, gem carvings are now making a jewelry designer’s final cut.

1 (Above) Rock crystal, rubellite, and 18k gold Lantern charm bracelet; $11,000; Syna, Fort Lee, N.J.; 201-585-2021; synajewels.com
2 Carved black jade, onyx, and diamond earrings in 18k white gold; $4,765; Bochic, New York City; 212-632-1700; bochic.com
3 Carved white agate ring in 18k gold with 0.64 ct. t.w. diamonds and 1.40 cts. t.w. sapphires; $7,700; Wendy Yue at Fragments Showroom, New York City; 212-226-8878; ajackson@fragments.com
4 Jade and 18k gold necklace with carved jade dragon center stone, 6.78 cts. t.w. yellow zircon, and 0.56 ct. t.w. diamond accents on the clasp; $30,000; Katy Briscoe, Houston; 713-662-9886; katybriscoe.com
5 Shonna Drew carved rubellite earrings in 14k white gold with 1.44 cts. t.w. diamonds; $7,480; Dana Rebecca Designs, Chicago; 312-701-1773; danarebeccadesigns.com