Stone knapping was the first method humans used to shape stone. The technique was used to create tools such as arrow and spearheads. Crafters still use this technique to shape gemstone, such as obsidian and agate into arrowheads and other simulations of relics to use in jewelry or as display items. Today's knappers often use modern tools such as chisels, ishi sticks, power flakers and sometimes even diamond-tipped tools rather than other stones. There are a few knappers that enjoy carving their creations in the old-fashioned way using other harder stones, though. Even with modern tools, sculpting stones by knapping takes a lot of practice, patience and skill.
Hand carving gemstones is another ancient craft that is still commonly practiced and enjoyed. Gemstones that are most often used for hand carving are jasper, agate, jade and other massive gemstone types. The carver starts by drawing the pattern on the rock, then uses chisels and mallets to remove excess stone. Grooves and designs are made using files and rifflers (files with curved edges). The finished work is then sanded with increasingly fine sandpaper until a glossy finish is achieved. Sometimes dremels with grinding, sanding and polishing bits are used with or instead of hand tools.
Lapidary equipment is used to facet crystals or to carve cabochons. It is high-powered equipment that is fitted with diamond or carbide blades and surfaces that can cut and shape extremely hard gemstone crystals. This equipment allows the artist to cut pieces of stone and to make flat surfaces to facet crystals into the sparkling gemstones you find in jewelry stores. By attaching crystals to sticks that hold the gem steady, then placing them at angles against the surfaces of grinders, flat surfaces are carved on the crystals in patterns that reflect light. Polishing compounds are used with belt-driven polishers to shine the cut stones.
Etching designs in gemstones is an old craft that is being applied to faceted stones. Gems are faceted using lapidary equipment, then compounds of diamond dust and olive oil are used to grind away designs in the flat surfaces in the stone. Etchings are usually polished. But in some crystals, such as quartz, the unpolished etching creates a frosted effect and is left unpolished. Lasers for etching gemstones are now available and are often used in lieu of the more tedious techniques of grinding stones with abrasive powders. Lasers are more precise than older methods but some crafters enjoy the artistry involved with using the older method.