Lapidary basics
See how a rounded, polished stone differs from a faceted gem or carving, and which tools make each one.
Getting started
Stone cutting starts with a shape in mind. These guides explain how to cut, shape, smooth and polish a stone, and which tools do each job.
Lapidary terms
Find plain definitions for the words on machine listings and in workshop instructions.
How cabbing machines work
See what the motor, wheels and water do, how to choose a size, and what to check before you buy.
Your first cabochon
Choose a stone, then follow it from a flat slice through shaping, sanding and polishing.