A lapidary studio is a specialized workshop where precious stones and minerals are transformed into exquisite jewelry and decorative objects. Lapidaries, skilled artisans, use a variety of techniques to cut, polish, and shape stones into various forms, often showcasing their unique colors, patterns, and textures.

The AGMC lapidary studio has been around for many years and has been located at a few different locations. Before its current home, it was most recently located at the New Mexico History Museum.

In 2023, the lapidary equipment was moved to a storage facility. In mid-2023, the lapidary studio chairman began working with a few other members to get the studio up and running at a new and larger storage unit.  

The design and set up of the machines took longer than expected, with issues such as lack of heat and warm water addressed. Over the next year, the lapidary studio was set up and started operating in early 2024.  

The studio is now open and ready for members who have never done any kind of lapidary work, to those who haven’t done anything for years or to those who have machines at home, but they want to work with other members.  

We currently have five active stewards. These volunteers will help the beginner, intermediate and advanced users of the machines to hone their skills. To use the club’s lapidary studio, a steward must be on site. Stewards open the studio and help with any instructions or guidance needed by the members using the studio. 

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The lapidary studio has a Google calendar for members to secure a time slot. Regular time slots currently are from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Slots will vary, depending on the availability of the stewards.   

If you are interested or have any questions about the lapidary studio, please email lapidary@agmc.info.