The Gem Cutter (Lapidary) is responsible for shaping, faceting, and polishing rough gemstones to achieve optimal brilliance, symmetry, and weight retention according to design specifications and quality standards. This role requires a high level of precision, artistic judgment, and technical knowledge of various gemstone materials, including corundum (sapphire, ruby), beryl, garnet, spinel, and tourmaline.
Key Responsibilities
Gemstone Preparation:
Examine and assess rough stones to determine the best orientation and cutting plan to maximise colour, clarity, and yield.
Cutting & Faceting:
Operate lapidary equipment (trim saws, faceting machines, cabbing units, lathes, etc.) to cut and facet gemstones according to calibrated or bespoke designs.
Polishing:
Perform fine polishing to achieve high-quality finishes on facets or cabochon surfaces, ensuring symmetry and optimal light performance.
Quality Control:
Inspect completed gemstones for precision, proportion, polish quality, and adherence to specifications using loupes, gauges, and microscopes.
Repairs & Re-cuts:
Recut and repolish damaged or low-quality stones to improve appearance and value.
Record Keeping:
Maintain detailed logs of cutting parameters, stone weights (before and after), and production output.
Maintenance:
Care for and maintain cutting equipment, laps, and polishing wheels to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Collaboration:
Work closely with gemmologists, designers, and jewellers to meet project and client requirements.
Safety & Compliance:
Follow health and safety standards, ensuring proper handling of machinery and materials.
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven experience in gemstone cutting and polishing (faceted and/or cabochon).
Excellent eye for detail, symmetry, and colour orientation.
Skilled in operating precision lapidary machinery and tools.
Knowledge of gemstone properties (hardness, cleavage, refractive index, etc.).
Ability to interpret gem designs, templates, and customer specifications.
Strong manual dexterity and patience for fine detail work.
Understanding of workshop safety standards and machinery maintenance.
This position offers an engaging work environment where technical skills are valued and developed. We welcome applications from motivated individuals eager to contribute to our manufacturing excellence.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: 25,000.00-40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job
MNCJobs.co.uk will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.