Your contractor is right, 1/4" isn't acceptable unless it's been discussed ahead of time to solve a specific problem. Using appropriate templating methods, your installation wouldn't need an exception to the rule. We have a similar around-the-corner detail on our kitchen peninsula that you can't fit a fingernail between the stone and the wall. This is how the Marble Institute of America describes how it should be done:

Joint (seam) widths between two stone
units should equal 1/16" (1.5 mm), with a
tolerance of ±1/64" (±0.4 mm).
So, not 1/4"!

See: A Homeowner's Guide to Natural Stone Countertop Installation

How fussy are you? Those are pushing the boundaries of acceptability, but are not overly conspicuous. I'll bet you could negotiate a discount.

The joint seam widths cited above are for between two units of stone, not for between stone and cabinets. The appropriate standards are found on the following page 6:

"Joints at Materials Transition. Visible
joints between stone and other materials
(e.g., cabinetry, gypsum wall board) shall be
1/8", with a tolerance of ±1/16" (±1.5
mm), and filled with a soft, elastic material."

The gap appears to be filled with a translucent sealant. This is not a joint seam between two stone units so that standard is irrelevant. IMO this detail would look amateurish even if the gap had been smaller.

Yea it looks like clear caulk that hasn't cured clear yet. It will look worse once it clears. A solid color caulk matching the stone should have been used. I personally wouldn't have the stone remade, just the caulking redone, maybe ask for a discount as said.

The additonal complication is that's not Torquay. New Quay probably, or Windermere.

My apologies, Sophie Wheeler, you are correct, the countertop is New Quay. I'm getting mixed up with the names of countertops being installed. Torquay is what the kitchen will have.

And to everyone else that responded, it didn't bother me as much in the beginning. However, my contractor stated that I payed a premium for the countertops and that it should have been done correctly. I contacted our local Cambria fabricator and I emailed them the photos. I will keep you updated on a response from them.

Thank you all!

By the way, if the Cambria fabricator was open to giving us a discount, what would be ballpark range be when negotiating?

Ryan:

If I may be blunt, I think your contractor is out of his mind. If he has a problem with a fit or finish, the first person he should speak to is his sub, not his client. I can't imagine under what circumstances I would provide ammunition to a client to fire at me and my sub.

Were you planning on using grommets in the computer wire holes? If so, the rough edges shouldn't really matter. http://www.cableorganizer.com/desk-grommets/

All solid surface edges, and estone is solid surface, should have all the meanness knocked off cut edges. It prevents "stress risers"; microscopic fissures that can turn into cracks.