Our Process: Turning Your Stones into Jewelry the Waystone Way

At Waystone, we shape natural, unique rocks—or even a stone you send us yourself—and set them as keepsake jewelry. Curious how we do it? Read on!

Step One: Prepare the Stone

Before we make a single cut, we identify the stone type and its physical properties. Then, we cut a flat slab from the stone and mount it to a base to prepare it for the next step.

We also snap a quick picture and combine the notes to document your stone’s journey to becoming a keepsake.

A smooth oval orange and black stone with interesting lines and stripes

Hand holding a mounted stone, polishing it on a spinning lapidary wheel

Step Two: Shape the Stone

We use a saw to cut the stone down to size, and diamond tooling to round out the stone and grind it into its final shape. Then, we polish up the world-facing side of the stone.

If you order a stone with a natural finish, we skip the rounding and polishing steps, but spend more time making sure the stone is sturdy enough to be worn, without fissures or cracks.

If there are cracks, or if you’re sending us a porous stone, we’ll repair or fill the stone with a hard, clear epoxy to make it more durable.

Step Three: The Setting

Next, we prepare the setting for your stone. If mounting in silver, we anneal it first to prevent it from cracking when the stone is set. If assembly is required, the metal pieces are welded together.

Finally, we use a laser engraver to personalize your jewelry with the custom engraving you selected when ordering.

Necklace with an orange and black oval stone pendant in a sterling silver setting

Step Four: Assembly

Here’s where the transformation happens! We mount the stone to its setting and polish the metal for a fine finish.

If you order a necklace, we cut the chain to your desired length and assemble with one of three clasp options. We even secure the jump rings on a microwelder to make sure your jewelry lasts a lifetime.

Step Five: Finish and Ship

We inspect the piece and once it’s perfect, we place it in our plastic-free packaging, made from recycled kraft cardboard without bleach, dyes, or glue. Reuse your box and recycle its paper parts at the end of its life cycle!

The photos and information we gathered about your stone are put in a stone certificate that we send with your piece. This document tells the story of your jewelry, including where and when you found your stone if you provided that information.

Then it’s sent back to you!

Silver stone pendant necklace with the original stone it was made from, displayed in a kraft jewelry box

Design Yours

Still have some questions? Head over to our Frequently Asked Questions page!