Lapidaries are individuals who work with gemstones, either by cutting, shaping, or polishing them. There are many synonyms for this term, depending on the context and the specific skills required. One common synonym is gem cutter, which refers to someone who carves and shapes raw gems into polished, faceted stones. Another synonym is lapidist, which is a more general term that may include both gem cutters and those who work with minerals and rocks more broadly. Other synonyms for lapidaries include stone cutter, lapidarist, and gemologist, each of which may emphasize different aspects of the craft of working with precious stones.