- Published by Interweave Press
- 12 issues/year (monthly)
- Typical page count: 74 pages
Jewelry Arts & Lapidary Journal (a.k.a. "Lapidary Journal") touts itself as being the "the first gem and jewelry-making magazine in the world." It was founded in 1946 and, as of this writing, has the largest paid subscription base in the jewelry-making magazine field. Originally, Lapidary Journal (as its name implies) was focused primarily on gemstones - especially gemstone cutting, sculpture and appreciation. Its format changed over the years to cover jewelry making more broadly.
Today, each issue contains several project sections, some articles with jewelry artisan business information, a show calendar, and tips on the technical aspects of advanced jewelry making and gem cutting. There are also columns devoted to tools and equipment and rare and interesting gemstones. The back portion of the magazine contains classifieds and a website directory. Two special issues are published each year: The Bead Annual (with a focus on beads) and the Annual Buyer's Directory (a large directory of suppliers).
The projects in Lapidary Journal are all relatively advanced. A typical issue includes a gemstone-cutting project and a metal fabrication project that calls for setting one or more stones. Other projects involve casting, glass bead making or advanced wirework. Polymer clay and metal clay projects are included only occasionally, and are probably most likely to appear in The Bead Annual edition.
I subscribe to this magazine, and I've learned some great tips from it. (For example, it often provides excellent information on improving your soldering.) However, each issue contains some technical information and projects that do not interest me, because - like most folks - I am not a jewelry artisan "of all trades." For example, I have never even tried gem cutting, so I usually skip over those parts of the magazine. Accordingly, if you're a gem cutter, you may find yourself skipping over many of the topics I read. (This is a consequence of the magazine's transformation from a specialty publication to a more general one.)
Some readers complain that the quality and amount of valuable content in Lapidary Journal has declined, and the volume of advertising risen, in recent years. However, I enjoy much of the content and, in my opinion, this magazine contains less advertising than most.
Click here to visit the Lapidary Journal subscription page on Amazon.com
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Chris Franchetti Michaels is a writer and jewelry artisan specializing in beaded designs, wire work, and metal fabrication. She is the author of the books Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making and Beading, Beading Quick Tips, and Wire Jewelry Quick Tips. Visit her website BeadJewelry.net for more jewelry-making help and inspiration.
