cutter
and the trade of the lapidary are absolutely separate and distinct in
the methods that each employs in cutting and polishing gem minerals.
The diamond cutter cuts diamonds only. The lapidary cuts and polishes
all other precious and semi-precious stones. Both diamond cutter and
lapidary prepare the way for the craft of the jeweller, to whose
judgment and art in design and manufacture the cut gem owes its
environment, which will go far to increase or mar its beauty. For the
jewellers' art is as important to the gem as the scenic artist's and
stage manager's is to the actor's dramatic art; and without intelligent
co-operation, the jeweller might detract from the appearance of a gem
that the capable diamond cutter or lapidary has done so much to
enhance.
Thus
the cutting of gem stones is necessary for the full development of the
inherent properties upon which their beauty is dependent. A gem, as
extracted from the earth, may be opaque, irregular in form, and contain
superficial flaws and imperfections; but when relieved of its
incrustations and reduced to a size that would permit of the
elimination of its imperfect portions, it becomes transparent and its
imprisoned fires are released in brilliant flashes.
