Lapidary art courses- Spring 2026

View the courses offered this spring semester 

Objectives of the Lapidary Art Program

Lapidary art consists of shaping and cutting gemstones in order to reveal their natural beauty.

Lapidary artists possess in-depth knowledge of the chemical and physical properties specific to each gemstone family and are able to use various transformation techniques in order to preserve a maximum weight while at the same time highlighting the brilliance and colours of each gemstone.

For each technique covered, students will learn to recognize the physical and chemical properties of different materials in order to transform their rough stones in the best possible way.

The ultimate goal of this program is to enable each student to become autonomous and equipped with the necessary knowledge to evaluate and anticipate how gemstone materials will react in order to advise future clients.

By the end of the program, students will have acquired an understanding of various transformation techniques: multi-form stone cutting, faceting, sculpture, engraving, and assembling, as well as the complete polishing process.

** In the situation of abandon, reimbursement conditions apply. Please see the Registration section.

 

YVES ST-PIERRE

Yves Saint-Pierre began his training in 1975 at the École de joaillerie et de métaux d’art de Montréal, and apprenticed stone cutting and polishing with Daniel Ungerson. His work includes a number of lamps, sculptures and ornaments created with his hand cut stones. He is now one of the very few lapidary artists in Quebec. He teaches at the École de joaillerie de Montréal since 1994 and has taken part in numerous exhibitions throughout Canada and abroad.

ÉMILIE GAGNON

Émilie Gagnon discovered her passion for gemstones and their natural beauty during her studies in the college program at the École de Joaillerie de Montréal, from which she graduated in 2020. Her journey led her to become a full-time lapidary at Rippana in 2021, where she has the opportunity to bring unique gems to life.
Her training began with an intensive three-month immersion, during which she acquired essential technical skills and developed an artistic sensitivity for stone cutting. Additionally, she had the honor of participating in a week-long intensive training with renowned lapidaries Justin K. Prim and Victoria Raynaud. Their guidance and expertise allowed her to refine her techniques and explore new facets of this delicate art.