Jewlery professions
Lapidary
Lapidary
Job Profile
Lapidaries cut and polish stones, either precious (rubies, sapphires and emeralds), or ornamental (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.). Likewise, diamond cutters are craftsmen who cut and polish diamonds.
Lapidaries work with disks (“laps”), one made of steel to cut the stones and a polishing lap made of copper.
The craftsman takes hold of the stones with a wooden dowel and wax before placing them on the lap.
Prerequisites: middle school or high school diploma
“Shaping the facets of a stone produces a distinct sound and a feeling of heat enveloping your hand. It is a special moment, and highly gratifying.”
GabrielThere are many different cuts (shapes): brilliant, cushion, pear-shaped, baguette and more.
Skills
Discover the three key attributes of a lapidary
Observation
Before cutting stones, the lapidary must first examine them in detail.
Thoroughness
Stone cutting is a delicate procedure, you mustn’t remove too much material.
Restraint
Lapidaries have to control their every movement... and make sure they don’t break the stone!
Training opportunities
Training programs are available as of 9th grade, as well as for high school graduates and professionals looking to change careers. Whether you are entering the job market or embarking on a new path, this interactive map will help you find a training program close to home.
Jewelry professions
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Gem setter
The role of gem setters is to adorn jewelry pieces with stones, either precious (diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds), or ornamental (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.).
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Stone expert
Equipped with expert knowledge of precious and ornamental stones, they purchase and select gemstones to breathe life into future creations.
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Jeweler
Jewelers shape jewelry pieces made from precious metal (gold or platinum), often adorned with stones.
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Gouache designer
Wielding a paintbrush, these creative professionals create an artistic rendering that perfectly captures the final piece.
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Model maker
Starting from sketches, model makers create 3D mock-ups of creations to better study their volumes. This is a traditional profession characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels.
