General Info

Learn how to build a jade point carver with this detailed DIY guide for stone and jade carving enthusiasts. This article covers the design, setup, and components of a custom point carver, including drill press modifications, water cooling systems, and essential lapidary tools. Discover how point carvers use diamond abrasives to shape, grind, and polish jade and other hard stones, making them a versatile and essential tool for gemstone carving and lapidary work.

Trading desert sun for northern stone, I journeyed to British Columbia in search of something more hands-on than the usual gem show experience—a deep dive into jade carving. Under the guidance of master carver Deborah Wilson in her cozy Vernon studio, I spent five immersive days learning how to shape, carve, and polish BC’s famous nephrite jade. From rough block to finished pendant, each step offered not just a technical lesson, but a new appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this ancient stone.