Victor Tuzlukov’s exponential rise in the global coloured gemstone scene forever changed the game for lapidarists. Over the years, his talent in achieving remarkable cuts and facets has become the benchmark for exceptionality and true artisanship.

A marine navigator and economist by profession, Tuzlukov began his career in lapidary 24 years ago after cutting his first gem. He then obtained a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Moscow, Russia, and started winning competitions and collecting laurels globally.

In May 2020, his 3,051-carat Fragility of the Eternal kunzite became a Guinness World Records holder as the largest faceted spodumene in the world. 

It contains 928 facets and is certified by GIA as the largest faceted kunzite it had examined at the time.

Another source of pride and joy for Tuzlukov is the 116-carat Lion of Merelani tsavorite, described by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where it permanently resides, as one of the most important gems ever mined. 
The gem has 177 facets.

Tuzlukov likewise completed the World Heritage Collection of 12 gemstones that capture the essence of various cultures. Fragility of the Eternal is in fact World Heritage Gemstone No 5.

He also gave Pope Francis one of his creations – the Eucharist amethyst with 705 facets, which is now in the Vatican Museum. 

Tuzlukov is ready to conquer even greater heights as a master lapidarist. 

“I always create impossible tasks for myself,” he said. “My mantra is: The next stone should be more challenging than the previous one.”

For more information about the “Extraordinary 40” Awards, visit jwawards.com.

As part of its 40th anniversary content programme, JNA is casting the spotlight on the “Extraordinary 40” Awardees with special online features covering the highlights of their careers and the valuable lessons they have learned along the way. Click here to view the “Meet the Extraordinary 40” series from May to September, with new profiles published every week.