A KEEN EYE
Desert Fire Designs is run by Murray Thompson a geologist, gemmologist and curator of mineral specimens. Murray has been in the jewellery, gem-cutting and lapidary business since 1973. He is well known for his keen eye for design using the texture, pattern and colour of the raw material to create exquisite bespoke gems.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
In 1987, Murray was awarded a Churchill Fellowship providing the opportunity to travel the world and learn more about gem cutting and display. He visited with gem cutters in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany (a famous gem cutting centre since before Roman times). Murray has also visited some of the most important jewellery manufacturing houses in France, including H. Stern, Cartier, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels.
ETHICALLY RESPONSIBLE
Murray and his wife Emma work with owner-operator miners and artisans using only locally sourced raw material (called gem rough). Where possible, they use environmentally friendly and ethically responsible work practices. Desert Fire Designs is proficient and endeavours to use only environmentally sustainable techniques that are ethical and have longevity.