lapidary

/ˌlæpəˈdɛri/

Other forms: lapidaries

The word lapidary relates to precious stones, especially the things people do with them such as cut, polish, and set them in a fancy bracelet.

If you know someone who carves gems, engraves marble, or does other work with precious stones, then you know someone who does lapidary work. A lot of lapidary work involves making jewelry, but doing inscriptions in monuments is also lapidary. Someone who collects precious or rare stones has a lapidary hobby. You can also call a person who works with such stones a lapidary. Lapidary comes from the Latin word, lapis, for stone.

Definitions of lapidary

1. adjective

   of or relating to precious stones or the art of working with them
   “"the ring is of no lapidary value"- Lord Byron”

   “lapidary art”
2. noun

   a skilled worker who cuts and engraves precious stones
   synonyms: lapidist

   type of:

   engraver

   a skilled worker who can inscribe designs or writing onto a surface by carving or etching
3. noun

   an expert on precious stones and the art of cutting and engraving them
   synonyms: lapidarist

   type of:

   expert, pundit

   a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully