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Stone Into Story: The Fusion of Lapidary Craftsmanship and Artisan Goldsmithing


The hands of a lapidarist drilling a hole into a piece of formed blue jade

What makes our jewelry designs stand out? There’s a subtle touch of magic woven in, thanks to our in-house lapidary work - giving each piece a unique quality you won't find elsewhere.


Lapidary, the craft of cutting, carving, or polishing stone, is steeped in tradition and precision. With each precise cut and delicate polish, the lapidarist reveals the hidden splendor of the stone, unlocking its full potential.


What sets our artisan-made jewelry apart is that Dave is both a lapidarist and a goldsmith—a harmony of craftsmanship rarely found in one person. While many jewelers rely on pre-cut stones sourced from distant suppliers, we prefer a more intimate approach. By marrying the art of lapidary with goldsmithing expertise, we have the freedom to use materials in ways that transcend the boundaries of conventional jewelry design.


Dave's journey as a lapidarist began during his apprenticeship with master goldsmith Thaddeus Hutten, starting in 2001. Although he already held a BFA in Metal Arts and had four years of experience at the jewelry bench, he had never seen anyone do lapidary work prior to that. 


Lapidary was one of the many skills Ted used regularly in his jewelry and sculpture. Dave was immediately captivated and began gathering equipment of his own. When he wasn’t working in metal, he dedicated his time to projects at the lap wheel.


“It opened up a new dimension in the possibilities of what I could create. Lapidary has become integral to my work, and I’m constantly learning new things as I experience working with more minerals.”


When we conceived our signature collection for Mercurius, we knew it had to incorporate lapidary work. In the world of lapidary, every stone tells a story—a narrative of time, pressure, and metamorphosis. With our in-house lapidary studio, we can design and craft jewelry that celebrates the essence of each stone within a wearable masterpiece.

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