Carved by MichaelGEMSTONE CARVING

THE ART OF GEMSTONE CARVING

A little wonder.
Carved in stone.

Gemstone carvings by Michael Burgess.
Explore the work. Find a piece that speaks to you.

Explore the collection
Seven-time Trophy AT-25 winner
Michael’s Lightning Ridge carved opal Mobius, with an open centre and polished curved edges.
A STUDY IN COLOUR & FORMVIEW PIECE ↗

A CLOSER LOOK

The collection.

Discover the colour, shape and detail
of Michael’s gemstone carvings.

SELECTED WORKS

Select a piece for a closer look. Contact Michael for pricing and availability.

Have a question about Michael’s work? Get in touch

Michael Burgess working on a green carving at his bench.
Michael Burgess at work.

THE MAKER

Meet Michael.

Two decades of carving.

Michael Burgess began carving around 20 years ago, working first with Australian jade and rhodonite before moving on to opal and other gemstones.

Originally self-taught, Michael developed his craft with guidance from experienced gemstone carvers in New Zealand and the United States. His work has since received recognition in both abstract and figurative carving.

“What inspires me is keeping my designs original & interesting.”

Michael Burgess
How Michael approaches a stone

HIS APPROACH

The stone
comes first.

For Michael, the design begins with the gem.

He considers the stone’s size and colour, then finds a design that suits it. The aim is to bring the best design to that particular gemstone, while keeping the work original and interesting.

  • The gemstone
  • Its size
  • Its colour
Explore the finished carvings
Michael’s Lightning Ridge carved opal Mobius, with a polished surface and open centre.
A study in colour and form · Lightning Ridge carved opal Mobius

RECOGNITION

Recognition for
the craft.

Celebrating Michael’s achievements
in gemstone carving.

LAPIDARY CLUB OF VICTORIA · TROPHY AT-25

Seven times
awarded.

Michael won Trophy AT-25 in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2025. The trophy recognises the highest-scoring entry in fully three-dimensional carving, any hardness.

  • 2012
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2019
  • 2023
  • 2025
View the trophy plaque (opens in a new tab)
Lapidary Club of Victoria Trophy AT-25 plaque, recognising the highest-scoring entry in fully three-dimensional carving, any hardness.
Trophy AT-25 · Donor: AFLACA Competition Committee

LET’S START A CONVERSATION

Something
caught your eye?

For enquiries about a carving, contact Michael directly.
Mention the piece you have in mind.

EMAIL MICHAELmichaeltco99@hotmail.comGIVE MICHAEL A CALL0475 294 897

A direct connection to the maker.

CARVING

Artwork details

Contact for priceAsk Michael about pricing, availability and piece details.
Enquire about this piece
michaeltco99@hotmail.com

Or call 0475 294 897