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From Raw Stone to Masterpiece: The Art of Lapidary Revealed

YITM is nationally renowned for our lapidary skills & ethical standards on sourcing.

From Raw Stone to Masterpiece: The Art of Lapidary Revealed

Imagine holding a shimmering gemstone in your hand, its vibrant colors dancing in the light.


Have you ever wondered about the artistry behind such a breathtaking miniature creation?


Welcome to the captivating world of lapidary!


Lapidary is the art of transforming stones and minerals into stunning jewelry and works of art.


We invite you to embark on a journey to discover the different arts and techniques of lapidary.


Get ready to unlock the beauty within each stone and discover the art of lapidary.

Materials: Nature's Color Palette

As Lapidary artists, we work with a dazzling array of stones and minerals.


The possibilities are endless, from the transparent hues of quartz to the mesmerizing opaque patterns of agate and jasper.


We focus our explorations on American-mined stones exclusively so that we can guarantee there were no wards funded or child labor involved in the mining of our lapidary materials. 


Tools and Equipment: The CraftsWOman's Arsenal

As Lapidary artists, we rely on a toolkit designed to shape and polish stones.


These instruments are the lapidary trusted companions, from saws and grinders to polishing machines and hand tools.


We sculpt, cut, grind, and polish stones with these tools. We unlock stones' hidden beauty and transform them into one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. 

Techniques: Shaping Dreams into Reality

Lapidary techniques are the heart and soul of this artistic endeavor. Let's explore three primary categories: cabbing, inlay, and faceting.


  • Cabbing involves cutting and shaping stones into smooth, dome-shaped forms to showcase their beauty.
  • Faceting creates multi-faceted marvels, capturing and reflecting light in mesmerizing ways. This is how a diamond can transform from a nugget of stone into the glimmering diamond you are familiar with.  We do not facet stones in the YITM studio as this is a hyper specialty of very skilled craftspeople. 
  • Inlay is a lapidary technique used in jewelry. The stone is cut and then carved into a shape that corresponds to a gold piece of jewelry. Because we can carve and inlay intricate designs and dimensions it means our jewelry collection is truly unlike any other. 

Safety: Crafting with Care

Safety is paramount in any creative pursuit, and Lapidary is no exception. We take special care in our studio to protect our bodies as they are our most important tool. 


When working with tools and equipment, it's crucial to prioritize safety precautions.


  • Shield our eyes with protective goggles
  • Safeguard our hearing with ear protection
  • Ensure proper ventilation to keep our workspace safe and comfortable.

By taking these simple steps, we can unleash your creativity with peace of mind. Many of the stones we use can have harmful side effects when the dust is inhaled. That's why all lapidary machines work with water to cool the blades, and grinders and to prevent dust.

Young in the Mountains is the place for collectible and one-of-a-kind lapidary jewelry. 

 

Our Denver studio is filled with passionate artists who shape stones into breathtaking jewelry to help you celebrate love and life's big accomplishments. 

 

We take a unique approach, truly caring about every material involved in our jewelry. Our dedication and direct sourcing ensure authentic and ethical stones.


Whether you're a beginning collector or looking for your engagement ring, join us in celebrating the art of lapidary.

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    Jewelry Care

    Diamonds, sapphires and gold are the traditional materials to wear as engagement or wedding jewelry because they are the most durable. Only these three materials are our recommendation for use as an engagement ring.

    Sunstones, emeralds, opals and inlay stones are beautiful accents, but should not be considered up for every day, forever wear in an engagement ring stack.  Forever is a long time, so choose wisely when considering a ring to be the everyday representation of your love. It’s a big decision to represent your love with fine jewelry, consider a versatile set that can we worn in all the different times and events in your life.

    All jewelry requires care and attention, so please realize just because a ring is chosen from our website and presented as a wedding ring, does not mean it's appropriate for everyday wear. The materials are very important. All jewelry should be taken off before bathing, swimming, yoga, applying lotions, working out, doing the dishes, etc.

    We recommend a simple pure gold band as the everyday forever wedding ring. Our inlay jewelry can be worn as the occasion permits. More information is explained in our FAQ PAGE.

  • Find Your Ring Size

    Not sure if your ring will fit with our ring crowns? Print our easy-to-use, sizing guide, specifically made to help you find the perfect signature ring crown that fits your existing engagement ring.

    DOWNLOAD OUR RING CROWN GUIDE

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We love hearing your stories! This helps us connect with you while we are crafting your piece. It makes you real to us. The power of jewelry is to connect us, to make us remember, and honor an experience. This beauty we create is not surface deep, our jewelry is here to add sentiment into our daily lives. Please, oh please, give us a few words about you, and your story. It will make our hearts full!

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