A lapidary is a skilled artisan who works with gemstones and other precious materials to create decorative items, jewelry, or art pieces. They cut, shape, and polish stones to enhance their natural beauty and bring out their unique colors and patterns. This craft requires a deep understanding of different types of stones, as well as the tools and techniques used in the process. Lapidaries often use specialized equipment, such as saws, grinders, and polishing machines, to achieve the desired finish. The art of lapidary work has been practiced for centuries and is closely related to fields like gemology and jewelry design. Many lapidaries also sell their creations or work in collaboration with jewelers.