Blogs & tutorials

Blue faceted gemstone held in a brass quill above a rotating faceting lap.
Faceting Guides for Beginners | Machine Parts Explained
Learn how the mast, quill, index gear, laps, dops, cheater, transfer jig, and water system work together and how each part affects a faceted gemstone. Read more...
Desktop CNC machine working over a fixture plate with a compact laser head and enclosed work area.
CNC Guides for Beginners | Types of CNC Machines
A practical map of the major CNC machine types, what each does well, and how to choose a first machine that matches your materials and projects. Read more...
Brass rod being machined on a CNC rotary lathe using a stability adapter jig.
CNC Guides for Beginners | CAD vs. CAM Explained
CAD defines the part. CAM plans the cut. Learn how design, toolpaths, workholding, origins, and G-code turn an idea into a CNC job. Read more...
CNC Guides for Beginners | An Introduction to Machining
CNC Guides for Beginners | An Introduction to Machining
Learn what CNC machining means, how computer-controlled machines turn digital designs into physical parts, the difference between industrial and bespoke CNC work, and what beginners & hobbyists should know before... Read more...
red garnet rough being held by a stone holder tool for closer examination for faceting
Faceting Guides for Beginners | How to Pick a Stone
Learn how to choose beginner faceting rough, inspect gemstone quality, understand yield, compare natural vs lab-created rough, and select materials by skill level. Read more...
Faceting Guides for Beginners | Introduction to Gem Faceting
Faceting Guides for Beginners | Introduction to Gem Faceting
Learn what gem faceting is, how faceted stones are cut, what faceting machine parts mean, beginner equipment basics, starter materials, safety considerations, and how faceting differs from cabochon cutting. Read more...
Cabbing Guides for Beginners | Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Cabbing Guides for Beginners | Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
In the beginning, every rock will teach you something. Sometimes they teach you patience. Sometimes it teaches you pressure control. Sometimes it teaches you that the scratch you ignored at... Read more...
Cabbing Guides for Beginners | How to Pick a Stone
Cabbing Guides for Beginners | How to Pick a Stone
Discover the best stones for beginner lapidary, intermediate cabbing, advanced gem cutting, and mastercraft cabochons, from jasper and agate to opal, sapphire, ruby, and lapis lazuli. Read more...
a beautiful blue Madagascar cabochon in a sterling silver ring.
What Are the Lapidary Arts? A Beginner’s Introduction
Learn what lapidary means, how beginners get started, the difference between cabbing, faceting, carving, and tumbling, and what tools help turn rough stone into polished gemstones. Read more...
A polished, blue Madagascar sapphire, on an aluminum dop stick
Cabbing Guides for Beginners | Introduction to Cabochons
Learn what cabbing means, how cabochons are made, why this ancient gemstone style still matters, and what tools beginners need for stone shaping, polishing, dopping, and safety. Read more...