Don Baide, Master Goldsmith My family came to Montana in the 1800's. I am now the fourth generation born and raised in Montana. I became interested in rocks as a child and gemstones have always been my passion. I have been trained as a gemcutter, gemologist and goldsmith. This fascination of gemstones has taken me all over the world. I am very active in cutting Montana Sapphires in Asia, buying diamonds in Europe, as well as buying gems from every corner of the world for the store. I owned and operated the gemstone import business, Merchants of Interest, before opening The Gem Gallery. I have won numerous award for jewelry design and continue to devote most of my time to design work. I now have trained several goldsmiths to work with me. My interest in Montana Sapphires keeps me busy traveling to the mines as well as overseas for cutting. I have taught many classes on Yogo Sapphires and the other sapphires in Montana and I am considered a leading authority by many. I invite you to contact me or visit the Gem Gallery. My great staff and I are always happy to help you in any way we can. Sharon Voelkel, Stone Cutter Cutting stones is an art, and when it comes to cutting Sharon Voelkel is an artist. Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, she learned her art the hard way, by reading and practicing hands-on until she mastered her craft. Sharon has now professionally cut over 20,000 stones. She was the main cutter for the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine cutting Montana sapphires. Cutting little tiny small stones are a passion for her. Sharon has been cutting stones for Don the owner for over 25 years now. The Gem Gallery entrusts her to cut their finest stones. When it comes to cutting, Don has said many times that Sharon is the best anywhere for cutting sapphires. Sharon does her cutting on a Facette cutting machine, and polishes each stone with a 100,000 grit diamond polish. She is one of very few people in the country that has the skill and the love to teach others about her art of gem cutting. Please feel free to contact her about her individual cutting classes.