I Have Rocks In My Head

”A lapidary is an artist or artisan who forms stone, minerals, or gem stones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems, including cameos, and faceted designs. The primary techniques employed are cutting, grinding, and polishing.” ~ Wikipedia

Humans have been creating art in stone since the dawn of time both in the form of stone carvings and jewellery. There are many techniques grouped within the field of lapidary including cabochon cutting, stone carving, gem faceting, beading and much more.

The term is often used more loosely to describe not only manufacturers but those who collect and deal in gems or is knowledgeable in precious and semi-precious stones.

There are many types of tools and machinery used in lapidary with the specific kind you need depending on the sort of work you are wanting to do. This depends on the type of material you wish to work with and the type of finished object you wish to make.

Lapidarists’ interests commonly evolve over time. Many mineral collectors become stone cutters, many stone cutters take up silversmithing and goldsmithing. Some never collect a stone, some long time lapidarists never find a stone they do not love. Some prefer specimens needing magnification to be best seen, some prefer large and heavy specimens.

Wherever your interests may lie there is something and someone in the hobby with interests like yours!

Come on down and talk to any of us to see and hear about the different types of ways to work in stones both for art and as jewellery.