Our Story
Facets & Form stands at the intersection of heritage, precision, and contemporary artistry. Founded by master lapidary Rasool Hakakzada, the studio carries forward four generations of gemstone craftsmanship, a lineage that helped shape the foundations of Afghanistan’s gem-cutting tradition during the era of King Daud Khan.
Raised in a family where discipline, patience, and respect for the stone were non-negotiable, Rasool began his apprenticeship at ten years old. Under the guidance of his father and uncles, he learned to approach each gem with quiet focus, to study its natural geometry, understand its internal language, and reveal its fullest beauty through intentional cutting.
His journey also gave him a rare, firsthand understanding of gemstone mining. Rasool spent years working with miners in the high mountain regions where Afghan lapis has been sourced for centuries, the rugged terrain of areas like Panjshir and Nuristan. Visiting their homes and witnessing the challenges of such remote, demanding environments shaped his deep commitment to ethical sourcing and respect for the people behind each stone.
As his skill matured, so did his responsibility. Rasool became a teacher and builder of opportunity, developing programs that elevated technical standards and empowered communities across Afghanistan. His work preserved a fading craft while introducing modern techniques, precision, and ethical awareness to a new generation of artisans.
In 2015, Rasool relocated to the United States and rebuilt his practice with the same discipline that shaped his childhood. Facets & Form became the embodiment of that journey, a studio where heritage and modern refinement coexist naturally, and where every gemstone is shaped with intention, integrity, and emotional depth.
Today, the studio’s identity is defined by a rare blend of generational knowledge, ethical responsibility, and artistic mastery. Each stone carries four generations of wisdom, enriched by the cultural precision of Rasool’s Afghan roots and the international refinement he developed in Los Angeles. Ethical sourcing remains central to the process, guided by the firsthand understanding of the people, landscapes, and labor behind every gem.
Every piece is shaped entirely by hand, whether through custom precision faceting, sculptural free-forms or gemstone carving, Rasool follows the natural language of the stone, allowing its true character to emerge rather than forcing it into uniformity, symmetry, or trend.
Whether for bespoke jewelry, designer collaborations, or collectors seeking stones with soul, Facets & Form delivers craftsmanship rooted in heritage, shaped by lived experience, and refined through a lifelong devotion to the art of the gemstone.
