Master the art of lapidary

Learn to transform rough stones into brilliant gemstones. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our comprehensive guides will teach you the techniques, tools, and processes used by professional lapidaries.

Recommended equipment to get started

A short list of the gear that comes up again and again for beginners, useful whether you’re assembling a first setup or replacing a single worn part.

Best Seller Raytech Shaw Faceting Machine
Raytech Shaw Faceting Machine

A stable, precise faceting machine built to hold consistent angles through long cutting sessions.

$2,795.00 ★★★★★ (128)
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Handpiece Quick-Release
Handpiece (Quick-Release)

Smooth, low-play rotation with a fast dop connection for reliable transfers.

$395.00 ★★★★★ (86)
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Editor’s Pick Diamond Lap Set
Diamond Lap Set (3,000 / 8,000 / 100,000)

The full grinding-to-polish progression, in one set.

$249.00 ★★★★☆ (64)
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Steel Dop Set
Steel Dop Set (7 pcs)

A range of dop sizes and shapes for different stone sizes and cutting stages.

$129.00 ★★★★☆ (42)
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Laser Alignment System
Laser Alignment System

Confirms a dop transfer is centred before you cut a single crown facet.

$179.00 ★★★★☆ (38)
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Diagram of gemstone cut shapes, from earliest forms to modern fancy shapes

From the earliest cuts to modern fancy shapes

Round, princess, oval, emerald, marquise. Each shape follows its own logic of angles and proportions. Our guides walk you through the ones worth learning first.

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A faceted gemstone mounted on a dop, ready for cutting

Real technique, not just theory

These guides come from years spent at the machine, not just reading manuals. Every step reflects a technique that has actually been tested on real stones.

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Beginner Friendly
Clear, structured guides for your very first cut.
Field-Tested Technique
Methods refined through years of real cutting, not just theory.
From Rough to Finished
Every stage covered, from choosing rough stone to the final polish.

Ready to start your lapidary journey?

Begin with the beginner guides and learn the fundamentals of gemstone cutting. No prior experience necessary.

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