Known as lapidary work, the shaping, engraving, faceting and polishing of stones is performed by a person known as a lapidary.

Before cutting, selecting the rough stone is done by the lapidary who looks at the uncut crystals for clarity, size, flaws, and color qualities. Viewing the crystals through a strong light source is the preferred method. It is important to choose the stones carefully, as mistakes in choice can lead to stones breaking during cutting, wasting time and valuable gemstones.

After selection, the cutter studies the stone first, deciding the best way to cut the stone for ideal color and size. If the stone is cut badly, it may transform a potential outstanding stone into mediocrity. After selection, shaping the stone follows, using circular diamond saws or carbide grinding wheels. During this step, the stone is roughly shaped to the desired size, cutting it into shape from the original crystal form.

After the stone has been roughly cut to its proper size, it is cemented with epoxy to small sticks ('dops'). These stones are faceted by a cutter skilled and experienced in shaping the stone as it is ground. This is done on a small vertical diamond-grinding wheel and the facets are roughly shaped out by this grinding, for example, a round cut or a step cut.

It is not easy to say how long it takes to shape and facet a stone from the beginning to the end. Our experienced cutters, with many years of experience in all stages of gemstone cutting, can roughly finish six stones a day. Some older cutters are also experienced in all steps of gem faceting, while others are skilled only in certain steps.