For this second episode, Anne Desmarest de Jotemps proposes to explore a new nebula: what might be called the Lost Arts. In other words, the jeweller’s skills that have disappeared or become rare, yet still stand as a testament to the excellence of a specific craft and its teachings.
To delve into the world of lapidary, Anne invites listeners to hear from Justin K. Prim, a gemmologist, travel adventurer, and gentleman lapidary, as well as the founder of MagusGems, an e-boutique specialising in cut gems and jewellery.
Justin is also a historian, teacher, and author of The Secret Teachings of Gemcutting.
He explains the lapidary trade, taking us back in time to explore its history, as well as the various tools and techniques used in gem cutting. He also highlights the difficulty in finding new apprentices, as lapidaries are often the hidden craftsmen of the jewellery industry.