Lapidaries

Lapidary is the craft of shaping stones by cutting, grinding, and polishing to reveal color, pattern, and form. Lapidaries work with gemstones, mineral specimens, and decorative rocks to produce cabochons, faceted gems, sculptures, and inlays. The practitioners may be called lapidarists or lapidaries. The work combines material selection, material removal, and surface finishing to create pieces suitable for jewelry, ornament, or collection.

Historically, gem cutting is an ancient craft with early workshops in the Near East and Egypt. Medieval and Renaissance gem cutters refined polishing and form, and modern developments—especially the use of mechanical grinding wheels and precision faceting machines—expanded the range of possible shapes and finishes. Today, lapidaries may work with natural stones, treated stones, and synthetic gems.

Two principal forms are cabochons and facets. Cabochons are smooth, domed shapes used in many jewelry styles, while faceting creates many-flat surfaces with precise angles for maximum brilliance. Other specialties include stone carving, engraving, inlay work, and the production of intarsia.

Techniques typically proceed from rough cutting to preforming, then grinding with progressively finer abrasives, followed by polishing. Common tools include slab saws, trim saws, grinding laps, faceting machines, and polishing laps. Abrasives are often diamond or silicon carbide; water cooling reduces heat and dust.

Safety and care: Lapidary work generates silica dust and heat; proper ventilation, dust collection, and personal protective equipment are advised. Finished pieces require careful setting and handling to protect fragile stones.