15th October 2000

Stone magic

By Kesara Ratnatunga

After a few more lightning fast adjustments and fluid movements, the odd shaped stone began to look like something more familiar. Mr. Mohamed Fazeer was skillfully creating the magic of his craft - modelling rough stones into perfect gems. 

Mohamed Fazeer recently brought honour to Sri Lanka when he won second place in both the regular and advanced cutters' groups, in the faceting competition for the year 2000 organised by the United Kingdom Facet Cutters' Guild (UKFCG). He entered the competition under the encouragement and guidance of his patron Prof. Paul E. Spencer - a collector of rare gems and professional gem cutter in the UK. By attaining such a high rank Mr. Fazeer holds the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan to have made such an achievement in this field.

An unassuming man, Mr. Fazeer works as the chief gem cutter at Leedons Gemjewels (pvt) Ltd. in Kandy, the company at which his career began 22 years ago. 

"Even as a schoolboy I had an interest in gems, since some of my friends had fathers who were gem merchants and they used to bring stones to class," says Mr. Fazeer recounting his early years. After his father fell ill he was compelled to find employment and support his family. Through a mutual family acquaintance he managed to secure a job with Leedons in 1978. During a brief period of training in Colombo he became acquainted with the fine craft of gem cutting in which he would later build his career. 

"I initially had no idea about how much there was to faceting," he says, but over the years, under the able tutelage of several gurus and his own research into the subject, he mastered the craft.

"Cutting is perhaps the main part of the gem industry," says Mr. Fazeer, "if the cutting component goes wrong, the whole thing will be spoilt. A cutter must spend time on learning the stone," he says, and adds that everything including shape and design should be planned in advance of the actual commencement of the cutting procedure. "You cannot decide as you go along." 

In 1990, an Englishman came to Leedons as a part of a tour group. "He showed little interest in buying or looking at gems, but was very interested in cutting," explained Mr. Fazeer. Although he did not know it at the time, this was the very same Prof. Paul E. Spencer who was to later help him in every way possible to reach international standards. Prof. Spencer provided Mr. Fazeer with publications, new designs, enrolled him in the UKFCG making him the first Sri Lankan member, and even helped him get his work evaluated by top authorities. Through Prof. Spencer, Mr. Fazeer also met Mrs. Nilamani de Silva, a leading gemmologist in Colombo, who also helped him immensely. "I would never have achieved what I have right now, if it weren't for the tremendous support and encouragement given by Mr. Iqbal Majeed, the Director of Leedons, and the rest of my colleagues," says a grateful Mr. Fazeer.

The next challenge ahead is the international faceting competition that will be held in Australia in 2002. Facet Cutters from all over the world will participate in this competition limited to the exclusive few who have made the grade. Mr. Fazeer will have the honour of representing Sri Lanka at this event. When asked what sort of preparations he has to make he says, "I just have to practise." 

Sapphires are Mr. Fazeer's favourite gems, as when they are cut, they alone retain their lustre, colour and beauty. No doubt whatever stones Mr. Fazeer works on for the upcoming competition, he will make sure that in his eyes, they are all star sapphires.

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