Thank you for taking the time to read our Mission statement.

Through the years we have experienced the trials and tribulations of the Lapidary business. Industry standards and our experience has established, on average, a 70% waste factor from Rough to Finished Gemstone. We decided to slant our business toward the Lapidary Studio Artist for this and other various reasons.

Most Lapidary Artists are aware that bulk purchases of Rough or Slabs result in this high waste factor.

Rather then offering Gemstone Rough and Slab stock by the pound in bulk, we allow the Lapidary Artist to browse through our bench stock inventory, via cyberspace, to find that perfect piece. We inspect each piece of Rough and each Slab to determine its Gem qualities and potential prior to placing it in our bench stock inventory. If it doesn't make the grade, we discard it or find other uses for it. This ensures the waste factor of our Rough and Slabs is minimal for us and our customers.

Although we cannot guarantee a Zero waste factor, we do offer the best pieces we have available, straight from our working bench stock inventory, to significantly reduce our customers waste factor percentage.

Although we agree with the statement, "Rock is Rock", selecting material through our individual Rough and Slab concept will result in material exceeding the quality and "Gemmy" potential when purchasing in bulk. This saves you time, money and equipment wear.

Browse our Studio Web site with this in mind:

If you are just getting started in the fine Art of Gemstone cutting, we offer material just for you.

For the Artist that does not wish to invest in Lapidary equipment, try our  Finished Cabochons and Freeforms.

If you don't have the finances to purchase a large slabbing saw, try our Trim Saws & Cabochon slabs.

For the Artist that wishes to just grind and polish Cabochons for resale and avoid the mess of sawing, our Gem Cutting Machines & Gemstone Preform selection will fit your needs.

No matter what stage you are at in this Artistic Hobby, Studio 182 can fill your needs.

Please note our established customer base is primarily word of mouth and return customers, so our advertising budget allocated for Web Search Engines is minimal. Due to this, be sure to bookmark or save us as one of your favorites, for any return visits to Studio 182.

Happy cutting!

Studio 182 Management