What is Lapidary?
Lapidary is the art of working with, enhancing and shaping stone, minerals and gemstones into small decorative items and objects such as cabochons, faceted gemstones and engraved stones and gems (eg cameos). An artist or artisan who practices lapidary is know as a lapidarist. The primary techniques used in lapidary are engraving, cutting/grinding and polishing. The basic lapidary arts are cabochon cutting (cabbing), faceting, carving and tumbling.
The origins of the word lapidary is believed to have come from the Latin word "lapis" meaning stone & "lapidarius" meaning stonecutter. Although modern lapidary has evolved with technology and machines are used for cutting and polishing of stone, the meaning of the word remains with its ancient origins.
At the Mt Gravatt Lapidary Society we specialise in teaching the arts of cabochon cutting and faceting as well as jewellery making, silversmithing/metalsmithing and other allied crafts. The Society has facilities for members to learn and practice cabochon cutting, freeform cutting, faceting, carving and tumbling.
The origins of the word lapidary is believed to have come from the Latin word "lapis" meaning stone & "lapidarius" meaning stonecutter. Although modern lapidary has evolved with technology and machines are used for cutting and polishing of stone, the meaning of the word remains with its ancient origins.
At the Mt Gravatt Lapidary Society we specialise in teaching the arts of cabochon cutting and faceting as well as jewellery making, silversmithing/metalsmithing and other allied crafts. The Society has facilities for members to learn and practice cabochon cutting, freeform cutting, faceting, carving and tumbling.
Allied Crafts
Allied Crafts is the term used for skills and techniques that work alongside lapidary..
Cabochon CuttingCabochon cutting is the art of cutting & polishing rock to create a highly polished stone. Cabochon cutting incorporates cabochons (domed stone with a flat back) and freeforms (a free shape that does conform to the rules of a cabochon).
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MetalsmithingBasic to advanced metalsmithing & jewellery making techniques are taught to allow members to create their own finished pieces. The main metal used at the club is silver however many members also work in mixed metals.
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FacetingFaceting is the art of cutting & polishing many facets into a pieces of high quality rough. Designs are predetermined and created to ensure the best reflection of light through the stone to give the finished work high brilliance better known as "sparkle".
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