Frequently asked questions
How long will it take?
Typically I can do 2 faceted gemstones within the base service limits per week after receiving the material. Cabochons take about 1 hour a piece within the service limits. That being said, I am only one person and I get about 20 hours a week on average to work. This is because I am primarily a stay at home parent and my kid takes priority
Can you source rough for my project?
Yes, I can! We maintain a limited inventory of rough gemstones on hand. For specific or unique materials, we leverage our network of trusted suppliers such as Joe Henley Rough who can ship ethically sourced rough material directly to our office for your project. Please Contact us to discuss your material requirements and budget, and we'll start the sourcing process.
What is included in the bespoke cabbing service?
Specializing in the fine art of lapidary, I meticulously shape and hand-polish raw material into exhibition-grade cabochons—each one perfectly calibrated, flawlessly finished, and ready for master-level jewelry setting
Initial Material Preparation:
If required, your rough material is professionally slabbed using a 10-inch slab saw to yield the optimal stone blanks.
The material is then pre-formed to precise shape and size specifications, minimizing waste and preparing it for the final stage.
Expert Cabbing and Polishing:
I utilize the Cab King 6-inch Cabbing Machine for the entire grinding and polishing process. This professional-grade equipment, known for its precision, employs a series of diamond wheels to meticulously shape and polish your cabochon to a brilliant, mirror finish.
For more information on the precision equipment used in our final stage, you can view the specifications of the machine here: CabKing 6-inch Cabbing Machine
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Do you sell finished gemstones?
Yes! During slow seasons I will cut new designs and list them for sale in the Shop. I also buy gems from trusted dealers that I work with on a consistent basis such as High Country Treasures LLC. I also acquire commercial cut stone parcels time to time and search through them for useable stones saving you time and money for those just starting out and on a budget. These gems are all listed in the Shop.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept all major credit cards and process all purchases securely through PayPal, Square Pay, and Squarespace.
Q: What is included in The Lapidary Office Vault Subscription?
A: Subscribing gives you instant, unlimited access to our private Gem Design Vault. This includes downloadable, mathematically optimized faceting diagrams (compatible with Gem Cut Studio and printable formats) designed to maximize light return and brilliance. You also unlock access to the Custom Request Page, where members can pitch new layout ideas or specific pattern variations.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: You can cancel your subscription at any time directly through your account dashboard. To avoid being charged for the next billing cycle, please ensure you process your cancellation at least [3 days / 5 business days] prior to your scheduled renewal date.
Why should I choose The Lapidary Office for my service?
Leveraging almost a decade of hands-on experience and a passion for precision craftsmanship, I ensure every project is executed swiftly and brought to fruition with detailed, step-by-step communication. My commitment is to treat each stone with the utmost care, maximizing its inherent beauty and potential. you can see a full breakdown of my faceting process here on my Faceting Service Page.
What is included in the precision faceting service?
My service is defined by a rigorous, data-driven approach to gem cutting:
Material Analysis: I conduct an industry-standard laboratory evaluation and utilize specialized techniques to identify the material and determine its optimal outcome.
Precision Preparation: The material is then pre-formed and precisely doped, accounting for its unique sensitivities and characteristics.
Digital Design & Execution: The final design is created using Gem Cut Studio and printed as a guide for Me. The stone is then cut and polished to exacting standards, ensuring precision and brilliance.
For more details on the design software I employ, please visit: Gem Cut Studio
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Can you identify my rough and evaluate my finished stone?
The short answer is yes! However, I cannot issue certifications and documents that well-established labs and institutions such as GIA , ASA , or AGS can. While I can provide lab data for a number of identification tests as well as evaluate based on the material, cut, clarity, and (CT) weight of your stone, I am not a certified lab.
Can you set my stone into jewelry?
Yes, I can! We offer stone setting services for pre-made settings. If your project requires a custom jewelry design, we can provide you with contact information to trusted jewelers such asNoble Savage Designs who specialize in custom work.
Do you cut Diamonds?
No, I am not equipped to cut diamonds yet. The equipment I have is for colored stones only; if I cut a diamond it would destroy the equipment.
Can you do fantasy cuts and carving?
No I am not set up to do fantasy cuts and carvings yet. It is a goal for the future.
What is included in the free consultation service?
I begin with an initial project evaluation to determine the optimal course of action tailored to your specific needs. To facilitate a thorough assessment, I offer flexible communication channels including text, phone, email, and instant messenger, which support clear sharing of detailed photo and video documentation. While acknowledging the inherent difficulty in assessing rough material solely through images, we strongly recommend well-lit photographs against a clean, white background to maximize the accuracy of our preliminary analysis.
What is the The Signature Lapidary & Digital Showcase service?
My Signature Lapidary Service encompasses all features of our standard offerings, enhanced by exclusive privileges and unparalleled dedication to your project.
Exclusive Premium Benefits:
Bespoke Design & naming:
I create custom gem designs precisely tailored to your unique vision, offering you the distinctive privilege of naming the resulting facet pattern.
Archival Digital Documentation: Receive a professional digital package that comprehensively details the entire journey of your stone, from initial assessment through final polish. This package serves as a permanent record of its transformation.
Artist Authentication: Each completed stone is accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity issued directly from the Lapidary Office, guaranteeing the artist's work and precision.
Prioritized Scheduling: Your project receives priority placement in our workflow queue, ensuring the fastest possible turnaround time without compromising quality.
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What is your privacy policy and how is my data secured?
Our data handling practices and security measures are outlined in our Privacy policy.
Q: How does the Custom Design Request page work?
A: As an active subscriber, you can submit requests for specific shapes, facet counts, or material-optimized patterns (e.g., high-refractive-index modifications) that you want to see added to the vault. While I cannot guarantee every single request will be created immediately, I actively prioritize the community's queue and regularly upload new, fully rendered designs based on member demand.
Q: Can I get a refund if I forget to cancel?
A: Because subscription models grant instant, digital access to proprietary design data and vault files upon payment, all recurring charges are non-refundable. If you cancel mid-cycle, you will not receive a prorated refund, but your account will remain fully active with complete vault access until the end of your current paid billing period.
Q: How do you handle design originality and potential overlaps in facet patterns?
A: We take intellectual property seriously. Every design available in The Vault is drafted independently by us. However, because faceting relies on closed geometric systems, symmetry, and specific index gears, there are mathematically finite ways to solve certain light paths. For this reason, some level of overlap with existing or future designs is a natural byproduct of the medium. Any such similarity is purely coincidental. Please note that while the mathematical concepts are universal, our specific digital files, graphics, and coordinates are copyrighted and licensed only for individual use.
What is your return policy?
Please refer to our dedicated Return Policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.
Q: How am I billed for the subscription?
A: Your subscription automatically renews on a recurring basis (monthly/annually, depending on the plan you chose at checkout) using the payment method you provided. You can view your current cycle, manage payment options, or view invoices at any time through your member dashboard.
Q: Can I sell gemstones cut from the vault designs?
A: Absolutely! You are fully permitted to cut, sell, and showcase any physical gemstones created using the vault's diagrams. However, the digital design files, renders, and instructions themselves remain the intellectual property of The Lapidary Office and cannot be redistributed, resold, or shared publicly.
Contact Here for your free consultation!
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