Daniel is a self-taught lapidarist who has enhanced his expertise through advanced training with Justin K. Prim in Lyon, France. This specialised faceting programme focuses on improvisation as an advanced form of gemcutting, and repairing stones with maximum efficiency—Skills Daniel applies to every gemstone he cuts or repairs. By combining both traditional and modern techniques, he works with one core principle in mind: to bring out the gemstone’s highest beauty and value.

Daniel has also trained under one of the United Kingdom’s most respected lapidarists, Ken Harrington, where he developed traditional techniques in gemstone repair and restoration. His commitment to continuous learning extends to regular participation in faceting competitions in Germany, reflecting his passion and dedication to the craft.

The main objective when cutting or working with valuble colored gems is getting the best colour from the stone , Daniel combines getting the best colour while removing the most amount of inclusions while saving the most amount of weight, this strategic approach ensures the maximum value is inherint in the finished gemstone. Daniel has experience in modern methods and techniques but always returns to cutting stones by hand on a jambpeg. Cutting by hand allows you to work with the stone in a bespoke manner to bring the best from it, and provides absolute control over the outcome if trying to manage imperfections in natural crystals. cutting by hand proves benifitial when working to maximize the value of the stone.

To complement his lapidary work, Daniel completed Deirdre O’Donnell’s one-year Goldsmithing Skills and Design course, gaining practical goldsmithing techniques that enhance his ability to understand and improvise gemtones for jewellery.