Lapidary

A lapidary is someone who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: The term 'lapidary' refers to an artisan skilled in the art of working with stones, especially precious and semi-precious gemstones, to transform them into artistic, wearable items or ornaments. This includes cutting, polishing, and engraving stones to reveal their beauty and intrinsic qualities, making them suitable for jewelry or decorative pieces. Lapidaries require a deep understanding of the properties of various gems, including their hardness, cleavage, and best uses in jewelry or decorative arts, to ensure the longevity and beauty of the finished product. The appeal of lapidary work lies in the meticulous care and detailed craftsmanship required to bring out the best in each unique gemstone.