Dave Wethington is a craftsman - a stone cutter and jeweller based in the United States. I started following Dave on Instagram a few years ago and couldn't wait to purchase my first turquoise crescent moons and a cactus cabochons from him. I'm so inspired by his innovation and how supportive he is of fellow Instagram smiths and rock cutters in the IG community.
I asked him a few questions as part of my blog series on getting to know people and businesses that are part of my supply chain.
Dave in his workshop doing what he loves (Source: Dave Wethington)
How did you get involved in lapidary?
Years ago a friend's dad gave me an old wet grinding setup. He thought it was a rig for shaping eye glass lenses. It sat around forever. I had been dry grinding with my Foredom & knew I needed a wet setup. I repaired the old rig and bought diamond laps. Wahlah ... you know the rest.
Why are you drawn to it?
As a kid, my cousin was into rockhounding & I feel in luv with #giftsfromourmother. Once I really got into lapidary, I knew I had found my true passion My luv & respect for earth just fuels my addiction to the grind. The fact that I enjoy giving, lapidary offers a plethora of gifts. And I guess my OCD & perfectionist attributes play nicely in lapidary.
What inspires your work?
The unpredictable, insatiable beauty that I find when I cut open a stone. Also, knowing & seeing all the fabulous pieces crafted by you and others that support my craft. Not to mention the sheer joy of folks digging what I do.
A selection of American turquoise that has been cut, ground and polished by Dave. (Source: Instagram).
What are some of the ways you source the rock you work with?
When I first started I would get stone at gem shows. Then a fellow cutter or two started helping me build up a stash. Now I'm more inclined to purchase directly from the mine owner.
Dave - passionate about his craft and wanting to teach others. (Source: Dave Wethington).
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Occasionally I go to the mountains and chase waterfalls. Teach anyone that will hang long enough to learn đđ Cook wonderful food. Eat wonderful food đ Observe mamađđ And enjoy watching my mini-me grow up.
You use Instagram as part of your business, what are your thoughts on it?
I have a luv/hate thing with insty. Luv the friends I've made đ Not so much luv'n the "new" version. But it is still my main outlet for my craft đ I guess ya gotta roll with what the universe sends your way đ
What is your favourite part of what you do?
Helping folk grow their dreams đđđ Building lasting relationships with good folk đ And of course, playing with #giftsfromourmother đđđ
Music?
... newer, Disturbed & Five Finger Deathpunch Older, Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Uriah Heap & on & on & onđ
A selection of cabochons crafted by Dave Wethington (Photo by Sky Mazurkiewicz).
You can follow Dave on Instagram at @daves_craves_jewelry and @daves_craves_stones