Turning rough stone into something beautiful

 

Lapidary is the art of cutting, shaping and polishing stone. At Redcliffe Gem Club, members learn how to transform rough rocks and minerals into polished gemstones for jewellery, collections and display.

 

Many people are surprised by what can be created from an ordinary-looking piece of stone. With the right techniques and equipment, materials such as agate, jasper, jade, opal and many other minerals can be shaped and polished to reveal their natural colours, patterns and beauty.

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Where beginners start

 

The first skill you'll learn is cabochon making, often called “cabbing”.

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A cabochon is a polished stone with a flat back and a smooth, rounded top. Cabochons are commonly used in rings, pendants, earrings and other jewellery.

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As a beginner, you’ll learn how to:

• Select suitable rough material

• Cut and trim the stone

• Shape it using diamond grinding wheels

• Smooth away scratches

• Polish the stone to a high shine

 

Many prospective members make their first cabochons as part of our try-before-you-buy introduction to the club.

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Learn at your own pace

 

Our workshop is equipped with specialised lapidary machinery, including saws, grinding wheels and polishing equipment. Experienced members are available to demonstrate techniques, answer questions and help you develop your skills safely and confidently.

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Unlike a formal classroom course, learning at the club is practical, hands-on and self-paced. Some members simply enjoy making cabochons, while others go on to explore advanced lapidary techniques, jewellery making or gemstone faceting.

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Whether you’re completely new to lapidary or already have experience working with stone, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn, create and share knowledge with other members.