The following responsibilities are common for Lapidaries:

• Uses a magnifying lens to examine gem stones for fissures, holes and cracks
• Cuts a gem stones to a required shape using various diamond cutting tools and equipment
• Uses different types of polishing equipment to finish the stone or metal
• Polishes diamonds for industrial purposes for designated machining purposes

A Day In The Life

Lapidaries use precise stone cutting tools to transform rocks into beautifully carved and polished precious stones and jewelry.  They can work with shells, precious gem stones and glass and they must be capable of properly handling the correct tools and machines to cut and polish these items.  They should know how to handle a variety of power saws, each one capable of making a different angle cut with a contrasting thickness, shape or pattern.  Then, they cut away the outer rock of the gem stone using drill bits, sanders, buffers and grinders to smooth out the desired shape of the piece.  They use they hand tools and sanders and buffers to slowly ship away at the gems outer crust to eventually produces a polishes and fine surface of the gem stone.  These stones and metals are then transformed into beautiful pieces of jewelry that you can create with the proper tools and a lot of patience and diligence.  As well as cutting stones for new pieces of jewelry, they also repair and polish existing gem stones and jewelry.

Typical Work Schedule

This is a full-time occupation.  Typically spent individually in an office or industrial machining area.

Projected Job Growth

Growth for this occupation is slow and steady.  Prior experience and knowledge of the industry is beneficial to gain employment as a lapidary.

Typical Employers

These individuals typically work in jewelry stores, antique shops or are self-employed as artists in their own galleries or stores.