Heritage and Craftmanship

OUR HISTORY

My name is Katerina Krivanek, manager of gemstone sourcing & high precision gem faceting business, Ravenstein Gem Co. LLC, and informational guides, oregonsunstoneguide.com and dragongarnet.com.

Katerina Krivanek

Ravenstein Gem Co. LLC. founded by my husband Ales Patrick Krivanek († 2024), who started collecting gems at age of 8 and gradually developed this hobby into a highly experienced gem design and gem cutting business. Ever since established in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in spring of 1988, the company produced all natural, highest-grade, precisely hand cut gemstones for all parts of gem trade. Ales had personal involvement in several gem mining projects, traveled the world in order to locate and buy the highest quality rough gemstones. These natural rough gems are then precisely faceted in the USA and Europe by our professional gem cutters and Masterpiece Collective gem artists. Ales was also extremely knowledgeable about gemstones and wrote numerous guides that you can read through here.
After running this company together for many years, I have now taken over the business as a manager after Ales’ passing.

Ales searched the world for the best gem rough, which were then skillfully and precisely faceted by our certified master cutters.
During our long and successful history, we supplied fine gems to thousands of demanding collectors, jewelry makers, and wise investors across all continents, including the Japanese Royal Jewelers, the main supplier of gems and jewelry to the Emperor of Japan and his family. Our gems have been mounted in some of the finest jewelry, including those by Tiffany and Maja DuBrul. Many of our gems are purchased by jewelers, dealers, wholesalers, and even small-time re-sellers supplying local jewelry shops and collectors.

Ales Patrick Krivanek
(† 2024)

The Hearts Behind Every Gem

Katerina Krivanek

MANAGER

Ales Patrick Krivanek

FOUNDER († 2024)

Ondrej Koplik

PHOTOGRAPHER

Our Process

I search the world for the best gem rough, which are then skillfully and precisely faceted by our certified master cutters.
During our long and successful history, Ales supplied fine gems to thousands of demanding collectors, jewelry makers, and wise investors across all continents, including the Japanese Royal Jewelers, the main supplier of gems and jewelry to the Emperor of Japan and his family. Our gems have been mounted in some of the finest jewelry, including those by Tiffany and Maja DuBrul. Many of our gems are purchased by jewelers, dealers, wholesalers, and even small-time re-sellers supplying local jewelry shops and collectors.

Sourcing

During the past few years my cutter faceted some of the most extraordinary gemstones ever available on the world’s market. Just to mention a few:

World’s largest 355.07 Ct Moravian Moldavite, sold in 1992 via prestigious auction house in Germany.

One of world’s largest 86.20 Ct flawless Blue Euclase, sold to a European private investor in 2009

A 40.25 Ct flawless Mint Green Topaz from Ural Mountains, sold to Japanese Royal Jewelers in 2005.

A flawless 65.42Ct Russian Rubellite, sold to a US gemstone dealer in 1995.

A museum-grade 48.93Ct Chrysoberyl, sold to a US collector in 2002.

Large and absolutely breathtaking 31.05Ct flawless Neon Red Oregon Sunstone from Plush mining region, sold to a private collector in China.

World’s largest 15.23Ct transparent Blood Red Staurolite, sold to a US collector in 2006.

World’s most impressive 38.77 Ct flawless Crystal Opal, sold to a Canadian collector.

Cutting & Design

Each gem I offer is a handmade original of the highest eye appeal and value. Each gem is properly-oriented, precision hand cut and polished. I personally control all individual aspects of my business. From sourcing the perfect gem rough, through pre-forming, designing, faceting and finally marketing and selling. At Ravenstein Gem Co. and SAINT CLAIRE Finest Jewel Collection I’m able to offer the most attractive prices on highest quality gemstones simply because I effectively remove all middle men normally involved in typical gem business and trade. Each year I take many extensive trips around the globe and I purchase gem rough directly from the mine owners or local diggers. I’m always prepared to spend hours or even days negotiating the best price. After the initial purchase I transport all rough to Europe where each individual piece is graded and then precision faceted. The finished gemstones are offered and sold directly to my customers. Since I take care of the entire gem producing process from start to finish, my prices are substantially lower compared to anyone else. The quality of European design and German hand faceting is a great added value sought after by all knowledgeable customers.

PANA Mine-Surface

Sunstone Mining

Sunstone Butte

Buying Large Mexican Danburite Lot

Currently, Ravenstein Gem Co. is producing approximately 7,000 faceted gemstones annually, and only the top few are selected for Saint Claire Finest Jewels collection. So when you shop here you get the best and finest gems on the market, backed by a complete money back guarantee and the lowest market price guarantee.

Hand Cutting Process

Dust Devil Mining Crew

Dust Devil Mining Operations

View collections

Ethical Practices

BEWARE! There is a mounting number of fakes, synthetics and lab-treated gems being offered via internet market and gem shows. Based on my personal experience, up to 75 percent of gems sold over the internet (including eBay and other popular auctions sites) are low cost fakes. Even if the seller is asking top dollar per carat, there is no guarantee that you are getting a real, genuine stone. Get educated before you spend your hard earned money on gems. Always buy from a well-respected gemstone dealer or gem cutter.

If you find a nice looking gem on a well-known web marketplace, it does not mean that it is real or valuable! At Ravenstein Gem Co. and Saint Claire Finest Jewels we offer only guaranteed natural, genuine gemstones of the highest market value. I DO NOT cut corners on anything we do…from finding the right piece of rough to precision German hand cutting using our own design patterns.

Please, feel free to contact me about any of your gemstone needs, from finding that single special piece, to a big commercial order. I treat every single customer with respect and I always give truthful and down to the point answers. As a person who started collecting gems at age of 8, and who gradually developed this hobby into a successful business, I understand how important it is for you to be treated right and to receive top quality gems for your business or collection.