Lapidary (from the Latin lapidarius) is the practice of shaping stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems (including cameos), and faceted designs. A person who practices lapidary is known as a lapidarist. A lapidarist uses the lapidary techniques of cutting, grinding, and polishing. Hardstone carving requires specialized carving techniques.
By extension, the term lapidary has sometimes been applied to collectors of and dealers in gems, or to anyone who is knowledgeable in precious stones.
This explanation of lapidary is from Wikipedia.
The Gold Coast Lapidary Club was established in 1965 and is an incorporated non-profit organisation. We are a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils.
The club provides members with a large range of workshops, including jewellery making, silversmithing, casting, cabbing and faceting, as well as well equipped lapidary and workshops where newcomers can learn our skills.
Workshops are held regularly for members (subject to waiting lists).
Cabbing
Silversmithing
Faceting
Casting
Opal Polishing
The club maintains ‘The Joan Cardwell Library’ which includes extensive reference material related to lapidary and also a photo history of the Gold Coast Lapidary Club.