lapidary

Lapidary refers to the art and science of shaping, polishing, and engraving precious and ornamental stones. The term can describe both the craft itself and the person who practices it. Lapidaries work with natural minerals, gemstones, and sometimes synthetic or lab-grown stones to create gemstones suitable for jewelry, decorative items, or collections.

Core techniques include cutting or cleaving rough stones to remove waste; grinding to refine shape; and polishing to achieve a smooth, reflective surface. Common methods are faceting, which produces flat polished facets on transparent or translucent stones; and cabbing or cabochon work, which yields domed, non-faceted surfaces often used for opaque materials. Equipment ranges from diamond-tipped saws and grinding wheels to faceting machines and flat laps.

Materials vary from hard gemstones such as quartz, sapphire, and garnet to softer minerals like opal or turquoise, each with distinct handling requirements. Finishing quality depends on controlled pressure, grit progression, and meticulous polishing. In modern practice, lapidaries may focus on jewelry stones, mineral specimens, or decorative objects, and may also work with man-made stones. The field overlaps with gemology and mineral collecting, and many practitioners belong to clubs or associations and pursue formal training.

History of lapidary extends to ancient civilizations, with evidence of gemstone cutting in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond. The craft evolved through the medieval period and into the modern era, adapting to new cutting styles, tools, and synthetic materials. Today, lapidary remains a skilled, hands-on discipline valued for its ability to transform rough stones into finished gemstones.