About Turet Design

“I grew up next to a famous defunct quarry in Bedford, New York, and by age six, I had already become a serious collector and student of geology. At nine, I became the youngest-ever member of the Westchester Mineral and Gem Society. That early curiosity set me on the path to a lifetime with gemstones”

Doug Turet

Founder, Master Lapidary and Designer, Turet Design

A Lifetime with Gemstones

Doug Turet grew up next to a well-known, now-defunct quarry in New York. At the age when most kids were just learning to write full paragraphs, Doug was down in the quarry, digging for gem rough and mineral specimens. At the age of nine, he became the youngest-ever member of the Westchester Mineral and Gem Society—a passion that would set him on a lifelong path with gemstones. When he was 11 years old, he taught himself how to cut cabochons, and 6 months later, began riding his bicycle to nearby towns to sell his stones to jewelers and silversmiths, under the business name Rolling Rocks Gems.

From those early explorations and entrepreneurial beginnings, Turet Design emerged. For more than five decades, Doug Turet has dedicated himself to mastering the art and science of gem cutting. His lifelong passion has allowed him to develop deep expertise and trusted relationships with partners across the United States and around the world, serving jewelers and designers nationwide.

From Quarry to Cutting Edge

Doug’s journey began in the quarries of New York, collecting stones and learning the fundamentals of minerals and gems. Over the years, he honed his skills, built a business, and innovated new ways to cut colored stones to maximize their brilliance. Now, rooted in the greater Boston area, he continues to bridge artistry with technical precision while supporting and educating trade professionals in the states and abroad.

“Every time I pick up a piece of gem rough, I mentally go for a swim in it—looking at where the light wants to go, how it wants to flow around or through color zones or other natural characteristics. Then I “imagineer” the cut by visualizing how the light wants to move, and whether it wants to roll, sparkle or dance. It’s both a science and an art.”

Doug Turet

Founder, Master Lapidary and Designer, Turet Design

The Art of Light

Each stone is assessed individually, with its natural shape, color, and internal light guiding the final cut. Doug’s process ensures every gemstone is a unique expression of its inherent beauty, whether it will be faceted, cabbed or carved, and showcased locally or shipped to jewelers across the country.

Crafted with Integrity

Transparency and ethics are the center stone of Turet Design. Every stone comes with full disclosure — heat treated, irradiated, or otherwise — so jewelers can be confident in exactly what they are receiving. Doug’s decades-long relationships with suppliers ensure that every gem meets his exacting standards for quality and ethics, trusted by clients nationwide.

Partnering with Jewelers

Turet Design serves trade professionals with a full range of services, from rough stone evaluation to custom cutting requests. Doug’s #1 goal is to help jewelers craft truly extraordinary pieces, while making collaboration simple for qualified stores with tools to share stones, request custom cuts, and track memo availability. These services are available to jewelers and designers across the United States.

Oh Wow, Doug!

Clients and trade professionals alike often say, “Oh wow, Doug!” when they see his work—whether it’s a perfectly cut gemstone or a custom creation that brings a design vision to life. It’s a reflection of decades of experience, artistry, and precision.

Awards, Recognition, and Expertise

Doug’s work has long been recognized by the industry with prestigious awards, including the AGTA Spectrum Awards, a 10-year virtual residency as a Mentor to the USFG Faceters’ List (1997-2007), a 2-page feature in the 1977 historical novel, “Westchester: Portrait of a County”, American Jewelry Manufacturer and Lapidary Journal and the only 12-issue gem design commission ever published in the latter magazine’s 72-year history. These accomplishments reflect both his technical mastery and artistic vision, earning him an international reputation among trade professionals.