Joy Houghton discovered gem carving during a childhood pearl diving expedition. She and her brother lowered wild rice reeds between lily pads to spear the open spouts of clams, hoping the clams would slam shut. When she pushed the first stem into the water, light refraction bent the reed at an oblique angle. That was her first carving lesson.

Joy attended the Layton School of Art while still in high school. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, taught high school, was accepted into the MFA program at the University of Minnesota, and left before her final show to pursue other graduate work and employment.

Years later, Joy became interested in the stones she found on the beach, first collecting, then cutting them. Within months she was buying and carving ametrine, garnet, and citrine. Fascination then became profession.