Hargrave began cutting gemstones in 1998 and has since received numerous Spectrum and Cutting Edge Awards from the American Gem Trade Association (24 total with 3 Best of Show).  In 2004, he was inducted into the National Rockhound/Lapidary Hall of Fame in the area of Metal Craft.  Additionally Hargrave has received 3 Gemmys Awards with Best of Competition in the 2006 Gemmys competition sponsored by Lapidary Journal.