about-us
About Mossy Duck Gems
Mossy Duck Gems began with a simple date‑night idea that turned into something far more meaningful. Terrance mentioned he had always wanted to learn how gemstones were cut, and Maryanne remembered that her mom used to facet and would know exactly where to go. That led them to a lapidary class at Headwaters Lapidary, and from the moment the machine started humming, something clicked.
What started as a one‑evening experiment quickly revealed itself as a precision‑driven skill they both connected with. Clean geometry, controlled movement, and the quiet focus required to bring a stone to life became something they looked forward to. Over time, that shared interest grew into a small studio built on accuracy, intention, and the satisfaction of shaping a gemstone with clarity and purpose.
Meet Your Gem Cutters
Maryanne
Maryanne approaches faceting with a focus on execution, clean meets, crisp lines, and the kind of precision that comes from doing the work with patience and intention. She joined the United States Faceter's Guild in 2024, entered the Single Stone Competition, earned her Pre Master certification, and moved into the Masters division the following year. For her, the real reward is in the process itself.
She designs many of the cuts featured in the shop, especially her signature checked crowns. Those patterns come from hours of refining angles, adjusting sequences, and making sure every facet lands exactly where it should. She is methodical at the machine, steady in her approach, and happiest when she is bringing a design from diagram to finished stone with clean, confident execution.
Maryanne focuses on refinement and the satisfaction of a stone that comes together exactly the way it should.
Terrance
With a career and background in science, Terrance enjoys testing new methods and procedures while cutting. From cutting two amethysts in the same size and pattern to compare rough quality, to experimenting with color zoning in sunstone, to test cutting any of the designs Maryanne produces, he brings hands on bench testing to the lapidary table.
He received second place in the 2025 USFG Pre Master Single Stone Competition. He is grateful for the award, but he knows there is always more to learn, and he works to improve and expand his knowledge with each new stone.
Joann, Guest Cutter
Joann is Maryanne’s mom and the original spark behind the family’s faceting adventure. She first stepped into gemstone cutting in 2007 and brought her love of sparkling precision into the family long before anyone realized it would become a shared passion.
After a long break, she returned to faceting in 2025 with a new Ultratec V5 and the same enthusiasm she had from the beginning.
She brings a seasoned eye, a steady hand, and a playful curiosity, especially when it comes to pearls, which she plans to explore with enthusiasm. As our guest cutter, her work appears in small, special batches whenever inspiration strikes.
Every gem in our shop has passed through our hands — chosen, shaped, and polished with care. Whether you’re a maker, a collector, or someone who simply loves beautiful stones, we’re glad you’re here to share in the sparkle.