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.