, founded by master lapidarist Clay Zava , is a renowned name in the world of high-end gemstone cutting, recognized for blending 40 years of precision with an artistic, "perfectly imperfect" philosophy . Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Zava’s work has earned over a dozen American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Cutting Edge Awards . The Evolution of a Master Cutter
: Perhaps his most iconic innovation, this signature cut has won multiple Cutting Edge awards for its unique balance and brilliance. zavamastercuts
For those seeking exceptional loose stones, his Shopify store frequently features "cherry-picked" gems cut from rough sourced globally, including unheated aquamarine and vibrant tourmalines. Zava Mastercuts - Claudia Endler Designs , founded by master lapidarist Clay Zava ,
Zava's expertise is so highly regarded that he was selected as a judge for the 2025 AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards, evaluating the world's finest gemstone designs based on craftsmanship and technical quality. For those seeking exceptional loose stones, his Shopify
: He is known for faceting challenging and rare materials, including sphalerite, clinohumite, and spessartite garnets. Industry Influence
Clay Zava’s journey began as a childhood "rock hound" in the mountains of the western Carolinas, where he discovered antique marbles and minerals like sapphires. This early curiosity, nurtured by his grandmother, evolved into a career defined by an exceptional understanding of light and mineral form. Signature Styles and Innovations