Ben Kho is considered one of the most talented gemstone lapidaries in the world.  He mined rubies and sapphires in Cambodia as a teenager and fell in love with the art of transforming amorphous pieces of rough into brilliant, valuable gems.  He started his wholesale gemstone and jewelry business in 1988, and his pieces have been featured in dozens of jewelry magazines and industry publications.  Mine owners seek his expertise on their most valuable gemstones, and collectors from around the world commission Ben to create one-of-a-kind pieces.  His talent has been recognized by the American Gem Trade Association, and he has received 25 prestigious Spectrum Cutting Edge Awards.