Lapidary Art
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.
After completing the Lapidary Art program at the École de joaillerie de Montréal, students will receive a diploma that is well recognized within the jewellery industry.
** In the situation of abandon, reimbursement conditions apply. Please see the Registration section.
Registrations Winter/Spring 2025
From December 2nd, leave a message in the voice mail box or by email, with your name, phone number and the course you are interested in, and we will call you back in order of contact. Calls and emails received before the registration start time will not be considered.
Please contact us from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to finalize your registration.
Phone number : 514-281-9922, extension 201
Email : ejm-info@bellnet.ca
* In the situation of abandon, reimbursement conditions apply. Please see the Registration section.
OUR LAPIDARY ART INSTRUCTORS
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.
COURSES
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 h | Lapidary Art, level 1 (FR) with Yves St-Pierre |
Students will be introduced to the techniques of cutting and polishing stones into flat and domed cabochons. They will learn to shape opaque gems to reveal their ornamental features, using the water wheel and diamond saw in a safe manner. | $ 315 | ± $ 30 |
Prerequisites: None
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 h | Faceting (round brillant cut), level 1 (EN) (FR)
Émilie Gagnon |
Learning faceting techniques. Participants will become familiar with the faceting machine and its components (dops, laps, angles, position, pole, cheater, etc) so that they can handle the various elements safely and confidently. They will learn the appropriate terms for the different parts of a cut stone. | $ 390 | ± $ 50 |
Prerequisites: None
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 h | Facetting Level 2 (emerald cut) (FR) with Émilie Gagnon |
Advanced faceting techniques. Understanding of refractive indices and critical angles, as well as the journey of light through the stone. Participants will learn to calculate different ratios and maximize the stone’s color. The basics of faceting machine maintenance will also be covered. | $ 390 | According to the projects |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, level 1
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 h | Lapidary Art: assemblages (FR) with Yves St-Pierre |
Introduction to the process of creating doublets and assembling stones and gems. Stone marquetry will be covered, distinguished from mosaic work by the precision of the cuts, ensuring tightly fitted pieces.
There will also be a presentation of various adhesives and their specific properties. |
$ 235 | +/- 60$ |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, level 1
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 h | Lapidary Art: toolmaking (FR) with Yves St-Pierre |
This workshop will allow participants to create diamond resin polishing strips and small metal and resin tools for carving and engraving. There will be a presentation of the various materials required for making these tools and the steps to follow for their creation. Additionally, students will be introduced to working with Bronze Clay. | $ 280 | selon les projets |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, level 1
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 h | Lapidary Art: LEVEL 2 with Yves St-Pierre |
Deepen your foundational knowledge of lapidary art. Participants will learn to shape gemstones by utilizing their different structures: cleavage planes and directional colors. Explore faceting of semi-transparent and transparent stones freehand, as well as stone drilling. Concepts of light reflection will also be covered. | $ 315 | +/- 30$ |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, level 1
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 h | Lapidary Art: Engraving and small sculptures with Yves St-Pierre |
Participants will discover various engraving and sculpting techniques using different diamond tips. They will learn to choose the tools based on the desired shapes and absorb the necessary steps to achieve an optimal final result. | $ 235 | Depending on the projects |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, level 1
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 h | Lapidary Art: Facetting level 3 with Émilie Gagnon |
To maximize the beauty of a gemstone, it is sometimes necessary to recut or restore it. In this workshop, participants will learn to assess the angles of the pavilion and crown, choose the type of design based on the stone, and close a window. The principle of repairing a chip on the crown or table will also be covered. A theoretical portion will help participants make informed decisions when purchasing rough or faceted stones that could benefit from being recut. Through exercises, everyone will observe several stones and be able to better identify the cutting or recutting possibilities. | $ 390 | +/- 50$ |
Prerequisites: Lapidary Art, Facetting level 2
| Length | Course | Objectives | Cost | Cost of materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 h | Lapidary Art: Purchase of rough stones to be recut with Émilie Gagnon |
Theoretical course to help make an informed decision when buying a rough stone or a faceted stone that would benefit from being recut. Through exercises, students will observe several stones and be able to better identify the cutting or recutting possibilities. | $135 | – |
Prerequisites: Completion of the faceting workshop or being a certified gemologist or in the process of becoming one.
The student must bring a small beam flashlight.
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY COURSE
WHICH DOESN’T REACH THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS, ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE.
MATERIAL COSTS MAY VARY ACCORDING TO THE CURRENT PRICE OF METAL.