Many Things to Many People

Unlike other publications which spread themselves too thin by trying to appeal to too wide an audience, Lapidary Journal succeeds in appealing to a wide audience within a small context: namely jewelers and rockhounds of all skill levels. This is a trade magazine par excellance!

Articles cover many areas including: how to make certain gem cuts, features on different jewelers not all of whom necessarily use gems, how to make specific jewelry projects, information on stones, history in the field of jewelry, current trends, show information, and others. The how-to pages are offset on non-glossy paper and are presented in a similar format as a cookbook recipe. Each how-to is rated for differing skill levels and will also tell you what equipment is needed to complete the project. Drawings accompany the instructions.

The photography is breathtaking... full color on slick paper do justice to the beauty of the jewelry and stones being shown.

Lapidary Journal does a fine job of crossing between the worlds of art jewelry and more commercial-end jewelry. Although I rarely use gemstones in my jewelry (I am a full time jeweler), this magazine makes me drool over the variety of pretty shiny objects out there.

I would also like to note that the staff of Lapidary Journal is very friendly, down to earth, and actively trying to make their magazine appeal to a broader base by featuring articles on art jewelers. They regularly give out freebie magazines at craft shows (at least wholesale shows!) and I've also received very good offers in the mail to subscribe, such as 'try an issue free!'

Lastly, I would like to note that the magazine is also a good resource for looking for suppliers via advertisements and an extensive classified listing in the back pages.